Basrah Archaeological Museum – Gateway to Southern Iraq’s Heritage

 

What Is It?

Housed inside a beautifully restored Ottoman palace, the Basrah Archaeological Museum is the cultural heart of southern Iraq. Opened in 2019, the museum showcases treasures from Mesopotamia, Babylon, Assyria, and the many civilizations that shaped Basrah and its surrounding region.

 

Why You’ll Love It

• Discover artifacts from Ur, Uruk, and Babylon, including pottery, tablets, and sculptures.

• Explore galleries dedicated to the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Islamic eras.

• Enjoy the museum’s location on the Shatt al-Arab River, combining history with a scenic riverside setting.

• Learn how Basrah’s role as a trade gateway shaped Iraq’s connection to the world.

 

A Museum That Speaks to the Heart

More than just a collection of objects, the museum tells the story of southern Iraq as a crossroads of civilizations. From Sumerian kings to Islamic scholars, the artifacts here highlight Basrah’s importance as both a cultural and commercial hub.

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Visitor Information – Basrah Archaeological Museum

• Location: Shatt al-Arab Palace, Basrah city, southern Iraq

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Closed on: Friday

• Best Time to Visit: Morning visits for quiet galleries; evenings can be paired with a riverside walk on the Corniche

• Tickets: 3,000 IQD for Iraqis, 25,000 IQD for foreigners (student discounts available)