After shutting down operations in 1991, it later reopened, and presently houses a number of important historical artifacts.

The National Museum of Somalia is housed in a two-storey building that dates back to 1872.

[2] The "Museo della Garesa" (as was called by the Italian colonists) was officially opened to the public the next year by Governor Maurizio Rava.

The National Museum's architecture shows Islamic influences and consists of a main building with four exhibition floors.

Among these are old coins, bartering tools, traditional artwork, ancient weaponry and pottery items.