Libya’s National Museum in Tripoli has reopened to the public after a long closure of over a decade. The reopening moment was beyond just a ribbon-cutting. For the first time since the 2011 uprising and the years of conflict that followed, Libya’s most important cultural institutions are welcoming visitors again.
Libya Reopens National Museum in Tripoli After 13 Years, Marking a Cultural Turning Point
Located inside the historic Red Castle overlooking Tripoli’s old harbour, the reopening of Libya’s national museum signals a step toward stability, memory, and national repair. The National Museum presents Libya’s history in chronological order. It started long before modern borders existed, when visitors moved from evidence of prehistoric settlement in the Sahara to artefacts from Phoenician, Greek, and Roman coastal cities. The journey continues through Islamic, Ottoman, and later periods, placing Libya’s ancient past and modern history side by side.
Among the most striking exhibits are ancient mummies recovered from desert regions in southern and eastern Libya. Classical sculptures and mosaics linked to Leptis Magna and Cyrene sit alongside coins, inscriptions, and architectural fragments that span thousands of years.
Later galleries address Italian colonial rule, the Second World War, and the early decades of Libyan independence.
A Symbolic Reopening In The Red Castle
Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah attended the inauguration and described the museum as “the nation’s full memory,” as mentioned in a report by Arabian Business. Officials framed the reopening as part of a broader effort to restore cultural life, rebuild public institutions, and expand access to education.
The Red Castle has been standing for centuries and has witnessed Libya through its changing eras.
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Restoration, Education, and What Comes Next
The museum closed due to security concerns and damage sustained during fighting in Tripoli. Restoration and conservation work have taken place gradually, and officials confirmed that additional galleries will open in phases.
In the early months, the museum will focus on educational visits and public programmes.
The doors for Libya’s National Museum are open again and invite people to witness the history in public view.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/Franzfoto, Libiya11
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