Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Libya's Red Castle Museum Reopens After 13 Years
Libya's biggest museum, called the Red Castle, has opened again after being closed for 13 years.
It was closed during a big fight in 2011.
The government fixed it up and now people can see old treasures like mummies, coins, and art from long ago.
Some of these treasures were taken from Libya but have been brought back.
The museum is first open to schools, and then it will open to everyone else soon.
Libya has five special old places that are protected by UNESCO, and one of them is no longer in danger.
Libya's largest museum, the Red Castle, reopened in December 2023 after 13 years of closure.
The museum features artifacts from prehistoric times through Libya's Roman, Greek, and Islamic periods.
Renovations began in March 2023 by the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU).
Libya has recovered 21 artifacts smuggled out after Gaddafi's fall, with talks ongoing for more recoveries.
The museum is initially open to schools, with a public opening planned for early 2024.
- Who
- Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU), Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbiebah, Museum Director Fatima Abdullah Ahmed, Antiquities Department Chairman Mohamed Farj Shakshoki
- What
- Reopening of Libya's largest national museum, the Red Castle (As-Saraya Al-Hamra)
- When
- December 2023 (reopening ceremony), March 2023 (renovation start)
- Where
- Tripoli, Libya
- Why
- To showcase Libya's historical treasures and rebuild cultural institutions after the fall of Gaddafi
- Museum Name
- Red Castle (As-Saraya Al-Hamra)
- Location
- Tripoli, Libya
- Reopening Date
- December 2023
- Renovation Start
- March 2023
- Artifacts Recovered
- 21 (from France, Switzerland, U.S.)
- UNESCO Sites in Libya
- 5 (one removed from endangered list in 2023)
- Museum Size
- 10,000 square meters
- Government Body
- Government of National Unity (GNU)