Libyans rediscover shared heritage as Tripoli's National Museum reopens

The National Museum in central Tripoli reopened on December 23, 2025, after about 14 years of closure, and Libyans visited to view ancient, Roman and Ottoman-era collections that staff say were safeguarded during the unrest. Renovations took six years, involved international partners and more than five million dollars in investment, and the museum now features modern displays and interactive tools.

The National Museum in central Tripoli reopened on December 23, 2025, after a closure that lasted about 14 years following the 2011 uprising. The waterfront building known as the red citadel houses ancient art, Greek and Roman antiquities, Ottoman-era objects and a natural history section. Museum staff say many artifacts were removed and hidden in secret sealed rooms during the period of instability to protect them from looting. The restored facility presents collections with digital projections, interactive screens, audio guides and QR codes. What is known: - The museum reopened on December 23, 2025, after a closure of roughly 14 years. - Renovations took about six years, with more than five million dollars invested by the Tripoli government and cooperation from the French archaeological mission and the ALIPH foundation. - Staff say artifacts had been taken into hidden rooms for safekeeping and were returned to display; a dedicated room shows items that were later returned from abroad, including from the United States and the United Kingdom. - Exhibits include a room devoted to Roman emperor Septimius Severus (born near Leptis Magna), Ottoman-era pieces, and natural history displays. - Visitors at the reopening included students and teachers, and some described the event as the return of a national symbol and a step toward reconciliation. Summary: The reopening restores public access to Libya’s archaeological and historical collections and is presented by officials and visitors as a cultural and symbolic milestone after years of disruption. The project combined local investment and international partnership to update displays and visitor services. Undetermined at this time.