Tunis: The Bardo National Museum represents the jewel of Tunisian heritage as one of the oldest Arab museums, recounting a significant portion of the country’s history through its collections.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the museum is located within an old Beylical palace since 1888. It was formerly named the Alaoui Museum, after Ali Bey who ruled Tunisia from 1882 to 1902. However, after Tunisia’s independence from France, it was later changed to Bardo National Museum.
Bardo houses the largest collection of mosaics in the world, which is evidence of Tunisia’s long and varied history. Among them is the largest Roman mosaic, weighing four tons, depicting Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, holding a three-pronged spear.
The museum comprises numerous pavilions and halls, including the Carthage Hall, Virgile Hall, Dougga Hall, Mahdia Hall, Marin Mosaics Hall, Sousse Hall, and the Arab Gallery. These halls house statues, sculptures, jewelry, and manuscripts, showcasing the depth of Tunisia’s historical narrative.