Syrian authorities have temporarily closed the National Museum in Damascus and launched an investigation after thieves stole items from the classical wing overnight. Officials say an inventory is under way and that "six small Roman-era statues of the goddess Venus" were reported taken, while earlier reports mentioned possible stolen gold. The museum—home to artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras—remains closed while evidence is collected and security measures are reinforced.
Damascus National Museum Closed After Theft — Roman-Era Statues and Possible Gold Reported Stolen
Syrian authorities have temporarily closed the National Museum in Damascus and launched an investigation after thieves stole items from the classical wing overnight. Officials say an inventory is under way and that "six small Roman-era statues of the goddess Venus" were reported taken, while earlier reports mentioned possible stolen gold. The museum—home to artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras—remains closed while evidence is collected and security measures are reinforced.
11:04 PM, 11/12/2025Culture
Damascus National Museum Temporarily Closed After Overnight Theft
Syrian authorities have temporarily closed the National Museum in Damascus and opened an official investigation after thieves stole several items from the museum’s classical wing, an official told AFP on Wednesday.
The theft occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday in the classical wing, a section that was largely spared during much of the civil war and houses priceless artefacts from antiquity.
"Official investigations have begun and the museum will remain closed temporarily until the collection of evidence has finished," an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
Officials said an inventory of archaeological items is underway to determine whether any additional pieces are missing. One source from the department overseeing museums, also speaking anonymously, told AFP that "six small Roman-era statues of the goddess Venus" were taken. Earlier reports had suggested gold ingots may also have been stolen.
Syria’s antiquities and museums department issued a statement saying an official probe has been opened in coordination with security authorities. The statement said authorities had taken "immediate measures to ensure the safety of the collections and support the protection and monitoring system inside the museum," but did not list specific items.
Significance of the Classical Wing
The classical wing is among the museum’s most important sections, containing artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The museum’s collections span Syria’s long history—from prehistoric tools to Greco‑Roman sculptures and examples of Islamic art.
During the civil war, many items from other parts of the country were moved to the National Museum for safekeeping. The conflict saw archaeological sites bombed, museums looted and artefacts stolen, creating a lucrative market for traffickers and resulting in the loss of irreplaceable cultural heritage.
The museum was closed on Wednesday; a security guard told AFP that there would be no tourist visits "until next week" while investigators complete evidence collection and the inventory.
What happens next: Authorities say the inventory and forensic work are ongoing. International cultural heritage groups often assist or monitor investigations of major museum thefts, and recovered items—when found—may be returned to the museum after verification.