Introduction
On the grounds of his final battle, connected to his main office and last command headquarters, stands the Yasser Arafat Museum. Overlooking his temporary mausoleum in Al-Muqata’a, the Museum bears witness to the legendary farewell of his people amid the inspirational symbols and profound, eternal memories of the space – a museum of the Palestinian contemporary national memory.
Mission
The mission of the Museum’s team is to establish a leading, modern institution that will be an ongoing repository of national knowledge and culture, and to create a contemporary, innovative forum for informed, effective dialogue with the public.
Vision
In an educational and cultural setting, the Museum aims to present to the people of Palestine and the world, the narrative of the Palestinian National Movement through the life and work of Yasser Arafat, the historic leader of the Palestinian people.
Tools
1. Forming a highly qualified team to manage the Museum and implement its various programs;
2. Using modern techniques to preserve and organize the items and resources of the Museum;
3. Establishing a resource center as a vital, educational research facility that will serve the local community and all those interested in the Palestinian cause and the life and legacy of Yasser Arafat;
4. Drafting a five-year plan that will guarantee the comprehensive and sustainable operation of the Museum, its infrastructure and programs;
5. Organizing special exhibits, including those of Palestinian artists, that will generate continuing interest in the work and mission of the Museum and create an interactive connection with its surroundings;
6.Promoting academic research and publications on topics related to Palestinian history and the life and work of late-President Arafat;
7.Applying the highest standards of professionalism and transparency in the internal administration and operation of the Museum and its dealings with the broader community.
Objectives
1. To preserve the heritage of Yasser Arafat, his central role in contemporary Palestinian history, and to convey the values and concepts in which he believed and for which he struggled and was martyred;
2. To highlight the significance of the main events of Yasser Arafat's life — as an individual, a leader and a symbol — to the contemporary Palestinian national movement; and provide an institutional structure for the protection of the Palestinian national memory and its preservation for future generations;
3. To support the civic and democratic values of the Palestinian national movement, founded on the concepts of freedom, resistance, justice and peace;
4. To communicate the values of a national culture based on the values of truth, freedom, equality, openness, acceptance, honor and pride of heritage;
5. To enable the public, regardless of political affiliation, to explore the political developments and complexities that have impacted the Palestinian quest for freedom over a period of the last hundred years.
Museum Committee
The Museum Committee is comprised of 12 members including the Chairman who is a member of the Board of Directors of Yasser Arafat Foundation. The Committee is selected by the Board of Directors and approved by the Board of Trustees to supervise the technical and public affairs of the Museum.
Museum CommitteeDesign of the Museum
The architecture of the Museum was designed by the late prominent Palestinian architect Ja’far Touqan. Situated on 1,350 square meters, the total surface area of the Museum is 2,600 square meters and is inlaid with the same Palestinian stone as the mausoleum, the mosque, minaret and much of the exterior courtyards.
The display area in the museum consists of four ascending ramps. A bridge connects the new building with the office of late-President Arafat, where he withstood 34 months of siege by the Israel military forces. The innate character of the besieged area has been preserved to provide visitors with an immediate, authentic visualization of the conditions at the time of the siege.
