Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums

The official authority responsible for safeguarding and preserving the cultural heritage of the Syrian Arab Republic.
It manages thousands of archaeological sites and museums across the governorates, working to document, restore, and promote awareness of their historical and human value.
From the depths of history to the present day, the Directorate continues its mission to protect Syria’s civilizational memory.

  • National Museums

    In our museums, small artifacts stand to tell great stories: of love, rituals, death, life, and thought.
    These museums serve as cultural beacons, fostering a sense of belonging and giving generations a deeper understanding of their roots and identity, deeply rooted in a fertile land.

    National Museums
  • Archaeological Sites

    From the far north to the south, thousands of mounds and archaeological sites spread across the land, telling the stories of successive civilizations that laid the foundations of early humanity.
    Every inch of its soil holds an inscription, a wall, or a shadow of a life that flourished thousands of years ago.

    Archaeological Sites
  • Historical Buildings

    Among the alleys of Old Damascus, the markets of Aleppo, and the castles of the coast and desert, historical buildings rise like pillars of living memory.
    They are not merely structures, but testimonies to successive civilizations that shaped the character of both place and people.

    Historical Buildings
  • Selected Artifacts

    Every Syrian artifact carries a story told not only in words but felt through the senses.
    These are remnants of eras immortalized in pottery, stone, and inscriptions, transporting us through time to reveal a civilization that illuminated the paths of humanity since the dawn of history.

    Selected Artifacts

    Projects and Research

    We believe that safeguarding the past is not only a cultural responsibility but also a fundamental step toward building a socially aware community, rooted in its history and capable of preserving its identity amid change.

    The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums carries out a wide range of projects dedicated to protecting and preserving Syrian heritage, in collaboration with local and international partners.

    Restoration of Archaeological Sites Damaged by Time or Conflict

    Maintenance of Museums and Heritage Collections According to the Highest Scientific Standards

    Digital Documentation Projects to Build a Knowledge Archive for Future Generations

    Research Partnerships with Universities and International Institutions to Enhance Archaeological Knowledge

    Training and Capacity-Building Programs for Personnel in Excavation, Preservation, and Restoration

    Pioneers of Archaeology

    Adnan Al-Bunni

    Adnan Al-Bunni

    Dr. Adnan Al-Bunni – may he rest in peace He is an immortal figure from my country, born in the…

    Khaled al-Asaad

    Khaled al-Asaad

    Professor Khaled al-Asaad Professor Khaled al-Asaad was born on January 1, 1934, near the Temple of Bel, steeped in the…

    Salim Adel Abd al-Haqq

    Salim Adel Abd al-Haqq

    Salim Adel Abd al-Haqq “Syria has never ceased to give birth to history and men, civilization after civilization, and man…

    Syria Through the Ages

    Prehistoric Eras

    1,800,000 – 3200 BC

    Prehistoric Eras

    1,800,000 – 3200 BC

    A decorated stone tablet featuring a simplified animal scene on one side and a geometric pattern of parallel and wavy lines, along with four abstract eagles, on the other side.
    Tell Al-Abr Archaeological Site
    Aleppo Governorate

    Historical Eras

    3200 – 333 BC

    Historical Eras

    3200 – 333 BC

    A small pottery jar with a handle, decorated with intersecting red lines.
    Salamiyah City
    Hama Governorate

    Classical Eras

    333 BC – 635 AD

    Classical Eras

    333 BC – 635 AD

    A bronze piece representing a princess known as the “Banias Princess,” wearing a headdress with a decorated forehead and a silk robe. The statue is surrounded by a circular frame.
    Banias Al-Hawla Site
    Quneitra Governorate

    The Arab-Islamic Periods up to the Modern Era

    635 AD to the Modern Era

    The Arab-Islamic Periods up to the Modern Era

    635 AD to the Modern Era

    A Damascus ceramic vase featuring geometric and animal motifs in red, black, and blue, shaped like a peacock.
    Damascus National Museum

    Photo Gallery

    Report a Violation or Damage to an Archaeological Site

    The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums is committed to protecting Syria’s cultural heritage from any deliberate or unintentional harm.
    If you witness any activity that poses a threat to an archaeological site, or notice acts of vandalism, illegal excavation, or smuggling of artifacts, please contact us immediately.