The National Museum of Damascus is one of the main gateways into Syria’s cultural and archaeological history. Founded in 1919, it preserves collections from prehistory, Mari, Ugarit, Dura-Europos and Palmyra, as well as Classical, Islamic, traditional and modern art.
Collections spanning the country
The museum connects archaeological objects, sculpture, mosaics, manuscripts, architectural decoration and popular arts. Its best-known holdings include material from the Dura-Europos synagogue and architectural elements transferred or reconstructed for preservation.
Reopening and rehabilitation
After conflict-related closures, the museum resumed receiving visitors in January 2025. UNESCO is supporting emergency measures for storage, security, restoration, documentary digitisation and staff training.
Plan a visit
Access conditions and open galleries may change during rehabilitation. Check current information before travelling. Continue with Damascus Opera House and the National Museum of Aleppo.