Damascus News Platform — News — Latakia
The National Museum in Latakia witnessed a variety of cultural and artistic activities on Monday, organized by the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in cooperation with the Faculties of Architecture and Fine Arts at Tishreen University, as well as the volunteer team “Your Country is Your Responsibility,” in celebration of International Museum Day.
The events included the reopening of the first museum exhibition hall that had remained closed since 2012, where a collection of rare archaeological artifacts was displayed. A promotional video highlighting the current state of Syrian museums was also presented, alongside heritage-themed artworks, live painting performances, and artistic exhibitions throughout the museum halls.
According to a report by Syrian Arab News Agency, the event aimed to emphasize the importance of Syrian museums and strengthen their cultural and social role by fostering cooperation between academic institutions, local communities, and government bodies in order to preserve and protect cultural heritage.
Mohammad Al-Hassan, Head of the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Latakia, stated that the event seeks to shed light on the significance of Syrian museums and establish meaningful collaboration between educational and academic institutions, local communities, and governmental organizations, contributing to the safeguarding of Syria’s civilizational heritage.
Al-Hassan added that the reopening of the exhibition hall marks the beginning of a broader phase, as restoration and rehabilitation works continue in preparation for reopening all museum halls to visitors and researchers in the coming months.
For his part, Mohammad Abu Seif, Director of the association “Your Country is Your Responsibility,” explained that the team has been working for the past six months to revive the spirit of the National Museum and transform it into a cultural and community space capable of hosting activities and events. He noted that their participation in this event, in collaboration with the “Ugarit” Heritage Group, aims to reinforce cultural identity and transform archaeological sites into interactive public spaces open to the community.
On the artistic side, students from the Faculty of Fine Arts participated with creative works inspired by the historical eras that shaped the Syrian coast. Student Maya Kamal Wanos explained that she presented a painting embodying the Roman era, with the aim of highlighting the rich history and civilizational development that the city of Latakia has witnessed throughout the ages.
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18. It is a global event organized by the International Council of Museums since 1977, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of museums as a means of cultural exchange, enrichment of civilizations, and the promotion of understanding and cooperation among peoples.
