Syrian theatres, museums and cultural spaces reopening and being restored in 2026
Al Hamra Theatre reopened in Damascus this month following a nearly nine-month rehabilitation, the latest Syrian cultural venue to return after years of closure, deterioration or 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…
Syria is witnessing the reopening and restoration of its cultural spaces, including theatres, museums, and artistic venues, in 2026. The Al Hamra Theatre in Damascus recently reopened after a nine-month rehabilitation, resuming programming with Children's Theatre Days and the Arabic production Fella and the Seven Dwarfs. Other restored venues include the Maarat Al Numan Museum, Idlib, the Al Qabbani Theatre, Damascus, the Fateh Moudarres Studio Gallery, Damascus, the Homs Museum, and the Al Fayhaa Sports Hall, Damascus.
The Maarat Al Numan Museum, housed in a 16th-century Ottoman building, closed during the war and reopened after an engineering study and restoration work. The Al Qabbani Theatre, which opened in 1959, is expected to begin restoration work within weeks, aiming to resume the theatrical season. The Fateh Moudarres Studio Gallery, established by the late Syrian artist Fateh Moudarres, reopened after repairs to damp walls and preservation of his artistic materials.
The Homs Museum, which started receiving visitors in August after a 10-year closure, requires further renovations before a full reopening. The Al Fayhaa Sports Hall, reopened in April following mortar shell damage, hosted a concert by Syrian singer Assala Nasri. The Azaz Cultural Centre, which reopened in April, offers a wide range of cultural activities, including poetry evenings, public talks, and visual-art exhibitions.
The Historic Orthodox Theatre in Homs, dating back to 1890, began restoration in 2022, marking its reopening in March.
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