Syria Unveils Ambitious Underwater Museum Project to Transform War Relics into Marine Habitats

Syria has introduced a visionary plan for an underwater museum off the coast of Latakia, blending the nation's heritage with contemporary art, marine tourism, and environmental regeneration by utilizing military equipment left over from the war.

The concept was officially presented at the Syria Travel Show 2026, with Tourism Minister Mazen Al Salhani and his Lebanese counterpart Laura Lahoud in attendance. The proposed major open diving destination aims to offer a fresh perspective on Syrian cultural identity beneath the Mediterranean while simultaneously boosting marine tourism, environmental education, scientific research, and the economy of coastal communities.

Media professional and entrepreneur David Shawakh introduced the initiative through a film that combined footage from dives along the Syrian coast with visualisations of the planned underwater museum. Mr Shawakh envisioned a marine landmark that honors civilisation, art, and memory while fostering new life. Visitors would begin their journey by entering an underwater structure inspired by Palmyrene architecture, progress through an exhibition space featuring works by Syrian artists, and finally enter a marine environment integrating specially treated and decommissioned equipment from the Syrian war.

Over time, these submerged structures are expected to develop into habitats for marine organisms, allowing the museum to evolve hand-in-hand with the local ecosystem. The overarching message of the project is "From war to life," symbolizing the transformation of conflict-related objects into thriving marine habitats. The proposal also includes an artificial marine garden to create interconnected spaces for fish and other aquatic life.

Speaking to The National, Mr Al Salhani noted that the proposal reflects a broader initiative to diversify Syria's tourism sector and invite private-sector participation and innovation. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud delivered a keynote address during the event in Damascus, highlighting regional cooperation and tourism development.

If successfully developed, the museum could significantly bolster the coastal tourism economy by supporting diving centres, boat operators, hotels, restaurants, and transport services. While the project is currently in the preliminary concept and study stage with no construction yet underway, the next phases will involve comprehensive environmental, hydrographic, navigational, archaeological, and engineering studies to determine the master plan and pilot phase.