Artists stage a performance celebrating the reopening of National Museum in Tripoli, Libya, Dec. 12, 2025. Libya on Friday celebrated the reopening of its national museum, housed within the historic Red Castle complex in Tripoli, marking a significant cultural moment after 14 years of closure following the 2011 popular uprising that toppled the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua)
TRIPOLI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Libya on Friday celebrated the reopening of its national museum, housed within the historic Red Castle complex in Tripoli, marking a significant cultural moment after 14 years of closure following the 2011 popular uprising that toppled the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.
The ceremony was attended by senior state officials, ambassadors, and heads of diplomatic missions to Libya, alongside prominent artists and media figures from across the Arab world, according to official statements from the Government of National Unity.
In his opening address, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah emphasized the museum's role as more than a simple repository of relics. He described the institution as "the nation's full memory," vital for preserving Libya's deep history, its successive civilizations -- from Greek and Roman colonies to its Islamic heritage -- and reflecting the core identity of the Libyan people across the ages.
The National Museum houses an extensive collection of Libyan archaeological artifacts.
Dbeibah and other officials present at the ceremony reaffirmed the government's continued commitment to supporting programs aimed at restoring historical sites and landmarks nationwide.
They also stressed the need to reinforce the museum's role in public education, international tourism, and cultural exchange, signalling a broader commitment to rebuilding Libya's cultural infrastructure amid ongoing political challenges. ■
An aerial drone photo shows a performance celebrating the reopening of National Museum in Tripoli, Libya, Dec. 12, 2025. Libya on Friday celebrated the reopening of its national museum, housed within the historic Red Castle complex in Tripoli, marking a significant cultural moment after 14 years of closure following the 2011 popular uprising that toppled the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua)
Artists stage a performance celebrating the reopening of National Museum in Tripoli, Libya, Dec. 12, 2025. Libya on Friday celebrated the reopening of its national museum, housed within the historic Red Castle complex in Tripoli, marking a significant cultural moment after 14 years of closure following the 2011 popular uprising that toppled the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo shows a performance celebrating the reopening of National Museum in Tripoli, Libya, Dec. 12, 2025. Libya on Friday celebrated the reopening of its national museum, housed within the historic Red Castle complex in Tripoli, marking a significant cultural moment after 14 years of closure following the 2011 popular uprising that toppled the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua)