Mosul Museum
Museum Iraqi museum housing ancient Assyrian and Mesopotamian artifacts
The Mosul Museum in Nineveh Governorate holds Mesopotamian and Assyrian antiquities; scholars and visitors interested in antiquities and Iraqi heritage follow restoration and security developments before planning a visit.
The Mosul Museum is a public archaeological museum in the city of Mosul, in Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq. It was historically Iraq’s second-largest museum and held collections from the ancient sites of the Mosul/Nineveh region.
Exhibits were concentrated on ancient Mesopotamian and regional archaeology, with sculptures, reliefs and small finds from local Assyrian and other antiquities. Before 2014 many displays illustrated the archaeological heritage of nearby sites such as Nineveh and other tells in the plain of Nineveh.
The museum served as a regional museum through the 20th and early 21st centuries and was open to the public until the period of conflict in Mosul in 2014-2015. During that period the museum building was damaged and significant items were destroyed, stolen or removed; subsequent recovery and conservation work has been undertaken by Iraqi authorities and international partners.
Located in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, the museum sits within the urban area that overlooks the archaeological landscape of ancient Nineveh and other nearby sites in the Tigris plain.
- Access: Access and opening hours can be restricted and dependent on local security and reconstruction work; check current conditions before planning a visit.
- Collections status: Collections focused on archaeology from the Mosul and Nineveh region, including Assyrian-era material; a significant portion of the holdings was damaged, looted or dispersed during 2014-2015 and some items have since been subject to recovery and conservation efforts.
How to Get to Mosul Museum #
The museum is in Mosul city; travel to the area requires careful planning and local coordination due to variable security conditions. Access is arranged through local authorities, and visitors should not attempt independent visits without proper clearance.
Tips for Visiting Mosul Museum #
- Check current status before planning - the museum suffered during the conflict and its collection and building have been undergoing recovery and relocation efforts.
- If visiting Mosul, arrange for a local fixer/guide familiar with cultural heritage sites; security and access can change rapidly.
- Look for exhibitions and publications from international partners - many artifacts have been documented in digital catalogues.
Best Time to Visit Mosul Museum #
Security and restoration work dictate access; check with official sources before travel.
Weather & Climate near Mosul Museum #
Mosul Museum's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 42°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 42°C and lows of 27°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.