After a hiatus of two years, Tunisia’s renowned Bardo National Museum is set to throw open its doors to the public once again, as announced by the Culture Ministry on Tuesday. This historic decision follows the museum’s closure when President Kais Saied dissolved the parliament, a body that operated from the same architectural marvel.
Though a specific date for the grand reopening remains unannounced, the ministry shed light on some restoration efforts that have been undertaken during the hiatus. It was on July 25, 2021, when President Saied took the monumental step of deploying tanks around the parliament premises, effectively assuming significant powers. This decisive move was perceived as a coup by many of his detractors. In the midst of this political upheaval, he embarked on the task of rewriting the constitution and orchestrating elections, resulting in the establishment of a relatively less influential legislative body.
Earlier this year, the restructured parliament commenced its functions. Yet, there lingered a cloud of uncertainty regarding the fate of the Bardo National Museum. As one of the capital’s premier tourist attractions, its prolonged closure was a concerning matter, particularly for a nation like Tunisia, where tourism significantly contributes to the economic fabric.
Historically, in the aftermath of Tunisia’s transformative 2011 revolution, the newly minted democratic framework propelled the parliament to the forefront as the primary elected entity. The corridors of its arcade-encrusted chamber resonated with dynamic political debates, rivaling the discourse of any other Arab nation.
Nevertheless, the shimmer of this democratic institution gradually faded as many Tunisians associated the parliament and major political entities with protracted economic stagnation and bureaucratic deadlock. A series of coalition governments, one after the other, struggled to usher in economic prosperity. Adding to its turbulent past, in 2015, the Bardo witnessed a harrowing attack by Islamist militants targeting its visitors. This tragic incident resulted in the unfortunate demise of over 20 individuals, occurring shortly after the museum’s extensive renovation.
The Bardo National Museum stands as a testament to Tunisia’s rich historical and cultural lineage. Its walls are adorned with expansive mosaics, intricately detailed and drenched in vibrant hues. From depictions of Neptune, the revered Roman sea deity, to riveting hunting sequences and mesmerizing marine life spectacles, the museum offers a visual feast.
Tunisia’s historical significance can be traced back to the era of ancient Carthage and the influence of Punic culture. As a pivotal Roman colony instrumental in feeding the colossal empire, the country is replete with relics from the classical age. The Bardo’s unparalleled collection of mosaics, mirroring those housed in the Sousse museums and near the El-Djem amphitheater, were originally a part of opulent villas from the Roman epoch extending into late antiquity.
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