Thieves Steal Ancient Roman Statues from National Museum of Damascus

On the night of November 9, 2025, the National Museum of Damascus, Syria's premier cultural institution, was the target of a significant theft. Thieves made off with six ancient statues dating back to the Roman era, a loss that has raised serious concerns about the protection of the nation's cultural heritage.

The theft was discovered the following morning when museum staff found a broken door in the classical department. The stolen artifacts include six sculptures of Venus, crafted from marble, alabaster, and plaster. One of the pieces is a restored marble Venus with fractured feet; another is an incomplete figure carved in alabaster; and a third is a plaster statue representing a standing woman, considered a classic example of female sculpture.

Established in 1919, the National Museum of Damascus is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Middle East, housing a significant collection that reflects the richness and diversity of Syrian heritage. The museum was forced to close in 2012 due to the civil war, partially reopened in October 2018, and resumed full operations in January 2025 following political changes in the country.

Despite recent improvements to the museum's security system, which had been upgraded in January after reopening following the fall of the Assad regime, the theft occurred. Authorities have launched an investigation, questioning security personnel and museum staff. Specialized teams are actively conducting operations to locate the perpetrators and recover the stolen artifacts.

The Syrian Ministry of Culture denounced the theft and issued a circular with detailed specifications of the missing statues to aid in their recovery. The Ministry called on official and private institutions, both within and outside the country, to cooperate in the search for the works and provide any information that may contribute to their recovery, emphasizing that the protection of Syrian heritage is a national and collective responsibility.

This incident raises concerns about the protection of cultural heritage in post-conflict Syria, especially after past damage to historic sites like Palmyra during the Islamic State occupation. The theft has angered local residents, who view it as a blow to Syria's cultural heritage and a hindrance to national rebuilding efforts.

In June 2025, UNESCO resumed operations in Syria, launching initiatives aimed at providing emergency support and first-aid measures for the rehabilitation of the National Museum of Damascus. The project, developed in close collaboration with national partners and the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, aims to enhance the museum’s physical infrastructure, strengthen overall management, improve storage and security conditions to prevent further damage, and initiate the restoration and digital preservation of Syria’s invaluable documentary heritage.

The theft at the National Museum of Damascus underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting cultural heritage in regions recovering from conflict. It highlights the need for robust security measures, international cooperation, and public awareness to preserve invaluable historical artifacts for future generations.