The political and cultural life of the country will be intertwined tomorrow with an important focus on the preservation of our rich historical heritage. President Rumen Radev will conduct an official visit to the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM-BAS), where he will be welcomed at 11:30 a.m. The purpose of the visit is to publicize discoveries that shed new light on the ancient history of our lands. The information was officially distributed by the press secretariat of the head of state, which emphasizes the institutional support for archaeological research.

Exhibition of a Statue from Heraclea Sintica

A central part of the president's program is the temporary exhibition "A Head Taller. The Second Statue from Heraclea Sintica". This exhibition represents the culmination of many years of work dedicated to the restoration of one of the most significant archaeological finds of recent years. The statue was discovered in the ancient city near the village of Rupite in 2024 by the team of the prominent archaeologist Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski. Its discovery itself caused enormous interest among the scientific community and the media, as such artifacts are extremely rare.

After the statue was excavated from the ground, where it had remained for more than 1600 years, a delicate and complex process began. Restorers from NAIM-BAS and sculptors from the National Academy of Arts worked together for several months to strengthen and restore the marble monument. This complex process included precise cleaning and conservation, aiming to preserve every detail of the ancient work. The public presentation of the restored statue took place in early August in the same museum, an event that attracted many experts and history enthusiasts.

Other Notable Exhibitions

The president's visit also includes a tour of another remarkable exhibition, titled "The Splendor of Hellenistic Gold – the Lord of Sakar". It will immerse the head of state in the world of Thracian burial rituals, presenting finds from a Thracian burial discovered in the land of the village of Kapitan Petko Voyvoda, Topolovgrad Municipality. These golden artifacts testify to the high craftsmanship and cultural development of the ancient Thracians.

Recognition and Future of the Finds

Rumen Radev's visit to the museum is a sign of recognition for the efforts of Bulgarian archaeologists and restorers who tirelessly work to uncover and preserve our cultural identity. With his visit, the head of state sends a clear message that the state supports and values scientific knowledge and the preservation of the national heritage. After the exhibition in Sofia concludes in October, the second statue from Heraclea Sintica will be moved to the city museum in Petrich, where it will become part of the permanent exhibition, accessible to a wider audience.