Tehran – Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has ordered the reopening of all museums, historic palaces and archaeological sites across the country following the closure of several months after a 12-day war with Israel.
The provincial Museum Bureau issued instructions that national and local museum managers must resume regular operations and ensure that facilities are ready to receive visitors. The ISNA added that working hours will be announced on each museum’s website and social media pages.
Iran closed many of its museums and heritage on June 13, when the conflict began, protecting historic monuments and artifacts. Some objects have been transferred to secure storage. Institutions, including the Iranian National Museum, the UNESCO listed Golestan Palace and Sadabad Palace, remained closed for about three months.
Ali Dharabi, vice minister of cultural heritage, announced in late July that the museum could be reopened in conjunction with the state security board, but many sites remained closed.
The long-term closure has attracted criticism from tour operators and visitors, Isna said Monday.
The provincial museum authorities said that reopening of cultural services in the order they were reopened was intended to strengthen the country’s morale, strengthen social cohesion and provide content to a wide range of age groups through exhibitions and events.
The museum’s director is instructed to prepare the gallery, comply with safety and maintenance regulations, and to notify the public of new visit schedules.
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