About National Museum of Iraq
After looting during the 2003 invasion, the Iraq Museum has gradually reopened with returned and recovered artefacts from Sumer, Akkad, Babylon and Assyria.
Founded in 1926, National Museum of Iraq has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. Today it draws approximately 80,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited archaeology & antiquity museums in the world. Located in Baghdad, Iraq, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 600 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Museum of Iraq ranks #117
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #117 in our composite ranking, National Museum of Iraq represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Cultural recovery story.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through National Museum of Iraq is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Warka Vase
- ◆Lady of Warka head
- ◆Lyres of Ur
- ◆Assyrian reliefs
- ◆Hatra sculptures
Recognition & awards
National Museum of Iraq has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Sun–Thu 9:00–14:00.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Museum of Iraq is located in Baghdad, Iraq at coordinates 33.3284°N, 44.3854°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Museum of Iraq
National Museum of Iraq was established in 1926, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Baghdad. With 80,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Iraq's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important archaeology & antiquity museums in the Middle East region.
Other top archaeology & antiquity museums
If you enjoy archaeology & antiquity museums like National Museum of Iraq, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #10Acropolis MuseumAthens, Greece
- #23Egyptian MuseumCairo, Egypt
- #24Grand Egyptian MuseumGiza, Egypt
- #31Pergamon MuseumBerlin, Germany
- #32Israel MuseumJerusalem, Israel
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Museum of Iraq?
Sun–Thu 9:00–14:00. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Museum of Iraq?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Museum of Iraq located?
National Museum of Iraq is located in Baghdad, Iraq. The exact coordinates are 33.3284°, 44.3854°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Museum of Iraq known for?
Mesopotamia's homecoming. Key highlights include Warka Vase, Lady of Warka head, Lyres of Ur. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 600 reviews.
How many people visit National Museum of Iraq each year?
National Museum of Iraq receives approximately 80,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Iraq.
When was National Museum of Iraq founded?
National Museum of Iraq was founded in 1926, making it 100 years old. It is categorised as a archaeology & antiquity museum in our directory.
