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Mosul Museum: A Testament to History and Resilience

Explore millennia of Mesopotamian history at the Mosul Museum, a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage in Nineveh Governorate.

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The Mosul Museum, the second largest in Iraq, stands as a vital cultural institution showcasing artifacts from Assyrian, Babylonian, and Islamic periods. Founded in 1952, it has faced periods of closure and destruction, most notably under ISIS occupation, but is now undergoing restoration, symbolizing Mosul's enduring spirit.

A brief summary to Mosul Museum

  • فوج طوارئ شرطة، جسر الحرية الموصل, تقاطع, السرية, The Right Coast, Nineveh Governorate, IQ
  • +9647515206767
  • Monday 8 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for in-depth insights into the artifacts and exhibits.
  • Allocate ample time to fully appreciate the museum's extensive collection and historical significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mosul Museum is located in the Al-Seriyah area on the Right Coast of Mosul. From most points in this part of the city, it is accessible by walking. ориентируйтесь на Freedom Bridge (Jisr al-Huriya), as the museum is located nearby.

  • Public Transport

    While Mosul lacks a formal public transport system, minibuses and shared taxis are available. These can be used to reach the vicinity of the museum. Due to the informal nature of the system, Arabic language skills are useful. Expect to pay a minimal fare (approximately 500-1000 IQD) for a short trip within the city.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a readily available mode of transport in Mosul. A short taxi ride to the Mosul Museum from anywhere in the city center will typically cost between 3,000 and 5,000 IQD. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Mosul Museum

The Mosul Museum, established in 1952, holds a significant place in Iraq's cultural landscape as the second largest museum in the country after the National Museum in Baghdad. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of Mosul, reflecting the city's rich heritage and turbulent past. The museum's original building, a small hall, was expanded in 1972 to accommodate a growing collection of ancient Assyrian artifacts and other historical treasures. Throughout its existence, the Mosul Museum has aimed to preserve and showcase the diverse history of the region, with collections spanning the Assyrian, Hellenistic, Islamic, and prehistoric periods. The museum has served as a repository of knowledge, displaying sculptures, pottery, inscriptions, and relics that narrate the stories of civilizations that have shaped northern Iraq. Its exhibits have provided insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and artistic achievements of these ancient societies. In 2003, to avoid looting during the Iraq War, a significant portion of the collection was moved to the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, leaving behind only the monumental pieces. In June 2014, just as the museum was preparing to reopen after a renovation, ISIS captured Mosul and, in February 2015, released a video showing the destruction of artifacts, claiming they promoted idolatry. This act was a deliberate attempt to erase the region's history and culture. Following the recapture of Mosul in 2017, the museum was found damaged, with many artifacts looted or destroyed. However, an international coalition of cultural heritage organizations launched the Mosul Cultural Museum Rehabilitation Project in 2018 to restore the building and its collection. The museum is gradually being brought back to life through the efforts of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, the Musée du Louvre, the Smithsonian Institution, and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH). The scars of war will remain visible in some parts of the museum, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced and overcome. The museum is expected to fully reopen in 2026.

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