The National Museum of Damascus Targeted in Theft of Rare Artifacts

According to a well-informed source from the Syrian Interior Ministry, the National Museum of Damascus was the target of a theft last night, which involved the disappearance of several archaeological statues and rare artifacts that are among the museum's most notable pieces.

The source stated in a declaration to Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath today, Tuesday, that relevant authorities have promptly initiated investigations following the incident. They are currently conducting extensive search and tracking operations to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen items.

Investigations Involving Security Personnel and Officials

The source confirmed that the inquiries include museum security personnel and several officials to understand the circumstances surrounding the theft and how the perpetrators managed to access the secured building located in the heart of the capital.

The museum had recently hosted an art exhibition titled "Rust of Rust" by young Syrian artist Pedro Naddaf, who created expressive artworks using war debris, conveying a symbolic message about transforming pain into beauty.

"The Dean of Syrian Museums"

The National Museum of Damascus is regarded as one of the most significant and oldest museums in the Arab world, often referred to as "the dean of Syrian museums." It was temporarily closed after the fall of the previous Syrian regime in December 2024, following a failed intrusion attempt by unknown individuals, before reopening in January of this year.

Founded in 1919 and officially opened in 1936, the museum houses thousands of archaeological pieces that document Syria's history through the ages, from ancient civilizations to modern times.