Ennigaldi-Nanna's Museum Travel Guide

Ennigaldi-Nanna's Museum, located in the Dhi Qar Governorate of Iraq, near the city of Nasiriyah, stands as a testament to the rich history of Mesopotamia and the dawn of museum curation. Established around 530 BCE by Princess Ennigaldi, the daughter of King Nabonidus, the last ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, this site represents the earliest known public museum, offering a window into the ancient world.King Nabonidus, an antiquarian and considered by some to be the first serious archaeologist, instilled in his daughter an appreciation for ancient artifacts. This influence led Ennigaldi to create a museum within the palace grounds of E-Gig-Par, which also served as her living quarters. The museum aimed to preserve and showcase artifacts from the southern regions of Mesopotamia, some of which Nabonidus himself had excavated, dating back to the 20th century BCE.The museum's existence remained unknown for centuries until its rediscovery in 1925 by archaeologist Leonard Woolley. Woolley's team unearthed dozens of artifacts meticulously arranged and labeled, indicating their purpose as museum pieces. These labels, inscribed on clay drums in three languages—including Sumerian—provided valuable context and provenance for the objects. The collection included items such as a kudurru (Kassite boundary marker), part of a statue of King Shulgi, and a clay cone from a building in Larsa.Ennigaldi-Nanna's Museum not only highlights the historical significance of ancient Mesopotamia but also underscores the importance of preservation and education. As the world's first known museum, it set a precedent for future institutions dedicated to the study and appreciation of human history. Today, the site offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy of this pioneering museum curator.