In a powerful symbol of resilience, Libya's National Museum in the heart of Tripoli has welcomed visitors once again, ending a 14-year closure that began during the 2011 uprising. Citizens are now rediscovering ancient artifacts and a shared heritage that transcends the nation's deep political divisions.
A Journey Through Time in the Red Citadel
The historic waterfront building, known as the Red Citadel for its distinctive color and its past role as a seat of power, now guides visitors through millennia of history. The collection spans from ancient statues and Greek antiquities to Roman-era art and Ottoman weapons and jewelry.
Architecture student Nirmine Miladi, 22, expressed her awe shortly after entering: "I got here barely 15 minutes ago but I already feel like I’ve been transported somewhere. It’s a different world." Her sister, Aya Miladi, 26, an interior design student, praised the modern layout, careful lighting, and interactive screens that make the museum accessible to everyone.
Preserving Heritage Through a Dark Period
The museum's reopening marks the end of a challenging chapter. Libya descended into chaos after the NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The country remains divided, with rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi vying for power.
Mohamed Fakroun, 63, head of international cooperation at the antiquities department, described the past 14 years as a "dark period." Fearing looting and vandalism after Kadhafi's fall, authorities made a critical decision. "We removed all the artefacts until the country re-stabilised," said Fakroun, who has decades of experience with the French archaeological mission in Libya.
Curator Fathiya Abdallah Ahmad was among the few entrusted with the secret locations where the museum's priceless treasures were hidden for over a decade. She stated that the department worked tirelessly to "preserve a historic and cultural heritage that belongs to all Libyans." This clandestine effort ensured the artifacts' safety until they could be displayed again in a facility meeting international standards.
A Modern Museum for a New Era
The revitalized museum is not merely a restoration; it's a transformation. It now features:
- Digital projections and interactive screens.
- Video displays and audio guides.
- QR codes that allow visitors to delve deeper into exhibits.
- A dedicated room for Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, born in Libya's Leptis Magna.
- An exhibition of stolen items successfully repatriated from countries like the US and UK.
For many Libyans, this reopening is profoundly symbolic. As Aya Miladi noted, it represents the "return of a national symbol." After years of war, it is also seen as a step toward national reconciliation and a reconnection with a rich, yet often overlooked, past. The open doors of the Red Citadel stand as a tentative but hopeful sign of stability and shared identity for a fractured nation.
