The biggest museum in Tunisia has reopened its doors to the public. Housed in a 19th-century Ottoman governor’s palace near the parliament in Tunis, the museum is renowned for its vast collection of rare artifacts unearthed during excavations in Tunisia since the 19th century. Among the notable attractions, visitors on Thursday (Sep. 14) marveled at several immense ancient mosaic pieces, including depictions of figures such as the Roman god Neptune and Hercules with his beloved Omphale.
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Tunisia has historically been a crossroads of various renowned civilizations, contributing to the Bardo museum’s fame. This museum stands out from others as it primarily exhibits authentic artifacts, in contrast to museums that often display statues imported from foreign countries, as proudly noted by local visitor Selim Yahyaoui. The abundance of treasures within the Bardo museum, easily accessible for exploration, holds great value compared to museums worldwide.
The museum’s closure occurred when Tunisia’s president suspended the legislature and assumed extensive powers in 2021. Officially attributed to renovations, the Bardo underwent several enhancements, including the enlargement of spaces, relocation of collections, and the addition of new sections, such as one dedicated to Islamic manuscripts. Visitors, like Maria, a tourist from New Zealand, expressed their honor and admiration for the museum’s magnificent pieces and the exquisite portrayal of the building itself.
The Bardo museum also upholds a tradition of hosting scientific seminars, meetings, and workshops, where young people can engage in activities like molding and Arab calligraphy. Radhia Mokni, a 25-year-old museum worker, expressed her delight in being able to explore the “treasures” of Tunisia’s heritage before returning to Germany. She emphasized the richness found within the Bardo museum, regarding it as a significant cultural beacon for Tunisia.
On the ground floor, visitors can witness the display of the marble statue representing the Roman goddess of harmony, placed alongside the funeral stela commemorating the victims of a tragic attack that occurred in 2015. This shooting attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, resulted in the loss of 21 foreign tourists and one Tunisian police officer. The reopening of the museum is seen as a powerful message of peace and tolerance, as expressed by Nait Yghil.
