Ethiopia’s iconic hominid fossils Lucy and Selam return home after historic exhibition in Prague

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s iconic hominid fossils, Lucy and Selam, have returned home after completing a two-month exhibition at the National Museum in Prague, Czech Republic.

The ancient remains received a warm welcome at the Ethiopian National Museum in Addis Ababa, marking the end of a historic showcase that drew thousands of visitors and renewed global attention to Ethiopia’s unmatched contribution to human history.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, State Minister of Tourism Mr. Sleshi Girma said that during their 60-day exhibition in Prague, Lucy and Selam inspired countless visitors and strengthened Ethiopia’s profile as the true cradle of mankind – better known as the Land of Origins.

He noted that the exhibition served as a cultural bridge, reigniting international scientific and public interest in Ethiopia as the cradle of humankind and home to one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

The Lucy and Selam exhibition, which opened on August 25, 2025, was one of the most visited in central Europe, underscoring the enduring global fascination with Ethiopia’s heritage and the country’s growing role in promoting shared human history through tourism and cultural diplomacy.