If you appreciate historical architecture and cultural preservation, the Islamic Museum of Tripoli offers a captivating glimpse into Tripoli's layered past. Located in the al Sur area along Shari' Sidi Khaliffa in Tripoli, Libya, this museum project is set within a historic residence built in the 1800s under the Turkish governor Ali Pasha Al Garamalli, who ruled from 1832 to 1835.
Originally constructed as a country home for Turkish nobles—and later referenced as a summer palace associated with Ottoman Yusuf Pasha—the property eventually came under the ownership of Italian figures Giuseppe Volpi and Anna Maria Cicogna Mozzoni Volpi during the Italian occupation. Transferred to the Libyan Department of Antiquities, the site was envisioned to become the country's first Islamic museum showcasing rich Islamic culture.
Although construction and collection acquisitions were halted during the 2011 Libyan civil war under the patronage of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the historic landmark remains a compelling architectural highlight. Visitors interested in adaptive reuse and restoration can view the ongoing efforts, with Studio Italia Costruzioni undertaking restoration work on the historic building as of 2025.
What to see at Islamic Museum of Tripoli
- Historic 1800s building originally built under Turkish governor Ali Pasha Al Garamalli as a noble country home
- Former residence of Giuseppe Volpi and Anna Maria Cicogna Mozzoni Volpi during the Italian occupation
- Libya's designated first Islamic Museum project managed by the Libyan Department of Antiquities
- Located in the al Sur area on Shari' Sidi Khaliffa in Tripoli
- Active building restoration work underway as of 2025 by Studio Italia Costruzioni
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that opening dates and project timelines have experienced delays, so check the latest status of the site's ongoing 2025 restoration before planning your visit.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Islamic Museum of Tripoli is easy to reach on Tripoli’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gurgi Mosque and Tripoli Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tripoli travel guide.
See the full Tripoli travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.