Historical museum closure report — November 2025, reviewed 6 November 2026. The National Museum of Damascus reopened in December 2025 after the temporary closure described below. See the reopening update and confirm current visiting arrangements before travel.
Update (December 2025):
The National Museum of Damascus has reopened to visitors following security improvements and the completion of the investigation.
Read the December 2025 reopening report.
The National Museum of Damascus is one of the most important places in Syria for history and culture. It holds thousands of objects from all over the country, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods. Many travelers include it as a key stop when they visit Damascus.
In November 2025, thieves broke into the museum and stole several ancient pieces from the classical wing. According to reports, at least six small marble statues from the Roman era were taken during the night, and staff discovered the theft when they found a broken door the next morning. Some reports also mention stolen ancient gold items from the same section of the museum.
In response, the Syrian Ministry of Culture and the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums published an official announcement with photos and detailed descriptions of the missing objects. The notice confirms that six small classical statues of the goddess Venus were stolen, all originally found in different parts of Syria such as Homs and the Hauran region. They are carved in marble or alabaster, stand between about 23 and 40 centimeters high, and each piece is identified by its museum inventory number.
The ministry’s announcement calls on all official bodies, antique dealers and members of the public to cooperate in tracing these statues. Anyone who sees similar pieces or receives suspicious offers is asked to contact the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums as soon as possible, either by email at info@dgam.gov.sy or by phone at +963 955 840 766.
The stolen statues and gold pieces are not just beautiful objects. They are part of Syria’s story and identity, and their loss is painful for museum workers, archaeologists, and ordinary Syrians who are proud of their history. The authorities have started a formal investigation, shared details and photos of the missing items, and asked the public for any information that might help recover them.
Following the theft in November 2025, the National Museum of Damascus was temporarily closed while its security arrangements were reviewed. This was a historical closure, not the current status. The museum reopened in December 2025; see our subsequent reopening report. Confirm opening days and visiting arrangements for your own dates.
This closure is frustrating, especially for people who love history and came to Syria to see its treasures. But it is also an important step to protect what remains inside the museum and to prevent further theft. The aim is to keep Syria’s heritage safe so that future visitors, and future generations of Syrians, can still see and learn from it.
For anyone planning a current visit, Damascus offers the Old City, historic mosques, churches, houses and khans as well as the National Museum, subject to its current opening hours. Explore private tours or scheduled group departures to plan your itinerary.
Sources:
APNews.com
Al-Monitor.com