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Valuable sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.

The theft was noticed on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the interior.

The half-dozen stolen pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority told the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a collection of artifacts", and that steps had been enacted to strengthen safeguarding and observation methods.

The chief of internal security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as saying that security forces were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".

He noted that security personnel at the facility and other persons were being interrogated.

The National Museum, which was created in the early twentieth century, contains the primary historical artifacts in Syria.

It contains historical records tracing back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the most ancient complete alphabet was discovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD classical statues from the ancient city, a significant cultural centres of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was built at Dura Europos.

The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the beginning of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the artifacts was transferred and stored at secret locations to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in the beginning of the year, one month after opposition groups deposed President Bashar al-Assad.

All six of nationally recognized sites were damaged or significantly impacted during the conflict.

The IS organization demolished numerous religious structures and historical sites at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. The cultural organization condemned the destruction as a war crime.

Countless cultural items were also destroyed or looted from dig sites and museums.