A Cultural Renaissance: Syria's Theatres, Museums and Historic Spaces Restore Their Legacy in 2026

Al Hamra Theatre reopened in Damascus this month following a nearly nine-month rehabilitation, marking the latest Syrian cultural venue to return after years of closure, deterioration, and disruption during the civil war. First opened in 1960 as part of the development of Syria’s National Theatre, the rehabilitation covered the auditorium, seating, offices, backstage areas, and storage spaces. Old theatre equipment and a piano dating to 1960 were among the items recovered during the work. Ban the Band, led by Simon Marish, performed during the reopening ceremony of Al Hamra Theatre in Damascus on September 19. Programming resumed with Children’s Theatre Days and the Arabic production Fella and the Seven Dwarfs.

The reopening comes amid a broader return of cultural venues across Syria. In recent months, restored theatres, museums, cultural centres, and artists’ spaces have begun receiving audiences again, with programmes ranging from major concerts to exhibitions and children’s theatre.

Maarat Al Numan Museum, Idlib

Maarat Al Numan Museum in Idlib houses one of Syria’s most important collections of Roman and Byzantine mosaics and is awaiting restoration after sustaining damage during the war. Housed in a 16th-century Ottoman building, the museum opened in 1987. The building was hit during the war by missile strikes and barrel bombs, while parts of its mosaic collection were also damaged. Surviving objects were later inventoried, wrapped, and placed in storage. An engineering study is being prepared to establish the cost of restoring the museum, though no completion timetable has been set yet.

Al Qabbani Theatre, Damascus

Restoration work at Al Qabbani Theatre is expected to begin within weeks. The 216-seat theatre opened in 1959 as a base and rehearsal space for the emerging Syrian National Theatre. Despite its ageing infrastructure, it has remained active this year, hosting the children’s production Ahla Al Hikaya during Eid Al Fitr and World Theatre Day events in March.

Fateh Moudarres Studio Gallery, Damascus

The late pioneering Syrian artist Fateh Moudarres established his studio in central Damascus in 1967, serving as both his workplace and a cultural salon. The studio reopened this month after work that included repairing damp walls while preserving Moudarres’s brushes, paints, tools, personal possessions, and a large mural. Its first exhibition, Eleven Years, is by Syrian artist Khaled Al Attar and marks his return to exhibit in Damascus after more than a decade abroad.

Homs Museum

Homs Museum began receiving visitors again in August for the first time since activities stopped there in 2011 at the onset of the Syrian conflict. Stone Sculpture Week ran from August 1 to 6, featuring archaeological works dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years. A full reopening has not yet been announced as the museum still requires a new display plan, specialized lighting, climate controls, and trained staff.

Al Fayhaa Sports Hall, Damascus

Opened 50 years ago for the fifth Pan Arab Games, the indoor arena was damaged during the war by mortar shells. The venue recently welcomed Syrian singer Assala Nasri for a sold-out concert on September 17, her first in Damascus in about 16 years, following the hall's reopening in April with a basketball match between Syria and Lebanon.

Azaz Cultural Centre

Home to a library of more than 30,000 books and volumes, Azaz Cultural Centre reopened in April with a programme including poetry, public talks, and visual-art exhibitions. In September, the centre staged Tafasil, an exhibition of painting, portraiture, and Arabic calligraphy by local artists, following years of neglect and damage to its library during northern Syrian conflict.

Historic Orthodox Theatre, Homs

Tracing its history to 1890, the Historic Orthodox Theatre is regarded as the first purpose-built theatre in Homs and the second-oldest in Syria. After sustaining damage during the war, restoration began in 2022, and the theatre formally reopened on March 14 with From Rubble to the Stage, an exhibition documenting its rehabilitation led by the Turathuna Foundation.

Talkalakh Arab Cultural Centre

The Arab Cultural Centre in Talkalakh reopened in February after being closed for about a decade. In September, the centre hosted an event honouring families of those killed in the conflict as part of the Ministry of Culture's plan to revive the cultural movement.

Damascus Citadel

In January, Syria’s Ministry of Culture completed the restoration of Tower Eight, converting it into the Syrian Heritage House. In August, the Damascus Citadel hosted the Summer of Syria Family Festival, featuring concerts, theatre, and an exhibition of 23 Syrian antiquities returned from France after nearly 15 years abroad.