The National Museum in Kabul was formerly one of the most important museums in the world; more than 90% of its exhibits were excavated in Afghanistan and formed a complete historical record of this great cultural crossroads.

The war and the Taliban regime left the museum devastated, with only 25 -30% of its collection remaining, most of it stored away round Kabul. Other national and local agencies have contributed to repairing the infrastructure and starting the process of restoration.

The British Council is supporting the British Museum’s initiative to provide materials for the restoration department and to help retrain its staff in basic conservation and restoration techniques. An initial visit has already taken place and further visits are planned later in 2004.