News
Syria: UNESCO resumes operations with a first initiative at the National Museum in Damascus
Safeguarding a cornerstone of Syrian identity and recreating qualified job opportunities
Established in 1919, the National Museum of Damascus is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Middle East, hosting a significant collection that reflects the richness and diversity of Syrian heritage. Its exhibitions feature remarkable artifacts that bear witness to the region’s profound historical and cultural legacy. It was forced to close in 2012 at the height of the conflict, partially reopened in October 2018 and resumed welcoming visitors in January 2025.
What the project will do
The project, developed in close collaboration with national partners and the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, will provide critical first-aid measures to enhance the Museum’s physical infrastructure, strengthen overall management, improve storage and security conditions to prevent further damage, and initiate the restoration and digital preservation of Syria’s invaluable documentary heritage.
The National Museum of Damascus hosts outstanding archeological collections with value that are deeply rooted in Syria’s history and resonate with the rest of humanity. UNESCO will continue its efforts to galvanize support to this exceptional museum and Syria’s diverse cultural heritage.
The new UNESCO initiative also places a strong emphasis on educational outreach, with plans to develop tailored learning materials for students and to train museum staff in promoting civic and cultural education.
With an initial budget of US$175,000, the project is scheduled to run over several months and includes a comprehensive set of activities such as emergency planning, object restoration, digitization of documentary heritage, and training workshops in inventories, museography and heritage education.
Renewed efforts in Syria
A mission led by Margaux Bergeon-Dars, Chief of Staff of the Director-General of UNESCO, visited Syria at the end of May to discuss with the interim authorities the support that UNESCO could provide for the country's recovery. The UNESCO delegation notably met with line ministries concerned by UNESCO’s mandate.
This mission to the country helped clarifying joint priorities as well as the scope of UNESCO's engagement in the country in the field of culture, education, information and media.
UNESCO also developed an Action Plan to support the transition in Syria, in line with the decision authored by Germany and adopted by consensus last April during the UNESCO Executive Board. Several partners are allocating financial resources to enable the implementation of these programmes on the ground.
UNESCO will continue to work closely with Syrian counterparts and international partners to ensure the success of this pioneering initiative and to support broader efforts aimed at supporting economic resilience and sustainable recovery through culture and heritage.
