The Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi is more than a building; it is a living chronicle of the Ashanti Kingdom. Originally constructed in 1925 for King Prempeh I upon his return from 28 years of exile, the palace blends colonial architecture with Asante symbolism. It remained the royal residence for Prempeh I and his successor, Prempeh II, until a new palace was built in the 1970s.

Rehabilitated in 1995 as a museum, the palace now houses royal regalia, gold weights, ceremonial stools, battle attire, vintage furniture, and the first TV of the Asante nation. Wax figures of key kings and queens; Yaa Asantewaa, Opoku Ware II, and current Asantehene bring history to life. Museum exhibits include restored artifacts and video presentations highlighting Ashanti lineage, resistance history, and cultural values.

In 2024, the museum marked a milestone by welcoming back over 30 royal gold and silver treasures on long-term loan from the UK and US pieces originally looted during the 1874 sacking of Kumasi. These artifacts now inspire collective memory and dialogue around restitution and shared heritage.

Visitors can tour the palace within the museum grounds, enjoy guided cultural storytelling, and shop for Ashanti crafts at the museum store. Manhyia Palace Museum stands as a vital educational hub, drawing visitors from across the globe to explore Ghana’s regal history and the enduring spirit of Asanteman.