The U.S. government has announced a $14-million US grant designed to renovate and improve Iraq's still-closed National Museum, but the facility will stay shut until security improves in Baghdad, its director said.

U.S. officials launched the new project in Baghdad at the dilapidated building on Monday, with funds earmarked for restoring the facility as well as for training, museum development and archeological conservation and preservation.

However, in an interview after the ceremony, director and archaeologist Amira Eidan acknowledged that the museum must remain closed to the public for at least another year, citing its poor condition and the continued instability of the region.

Reopening the museum to the public must be the "very last step in Baghdad's journey to absolute normalcy," Eidan, who took her post in 2005, told the Associated Press.

"If everything goes well and there are no unexpected developments, then it can reopen after between one and two years from now."

The U.S. came under international criticism when, during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, troops failed to secure and defend the National Museum's treasure trove of ancient artifacts. Though museum staffers managed to hide and protect some priceless pieces, looters ransacked the museum and an estimated 15,000 relics disappeared.

Though international investigators and cultural officials have been on the hunt worldwide, thousands of pieces are still missing.