The Baghdad Museum: A Glimpse into the City’s Heritage and Craftsmanship
The Baghdad Museum is one of Iraq's most significant cultural landmarks, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich history and traditional lifestyle of Baghdad. Established in 1970, the museum stands as a tribute to the city’s artisans, craftsmen, and the way of life in old Baghdad. Located on the scenic banks of the Tigris River, near the iconic Mustansiriya School, it’s a must-see destination for those wanting to explore the cultural roots of Iraq’s capital.
Take you through the journey of the museum's creation, its major developments, and its current state, while also providing practical information for travelers interested in visiting.
History of the Baghdad Museum
The idea to establish the Baghdad Museum came from Medhat al-Haj Sari, a former mayor of Baghdad, who was inspired by his travels to neighboring countries. On his return to Iraq, he was determined to create a museum that would capture the essence of Baghdad's traditional life and showcase its rich craftsmanship. This led to the foundation of the museum in 1968 under the initiative of the Baghdad Municipality. The project aimed to create a series of life-like statues that would represent the traditional professions and crafts that were once central to the city’s way of life.
The Vision Behind the Museum
Sari’s vision was to capture the spirit of Baghdad’s past by creating 45 scenes featuring Baghdad locals engaged in their daily activities. These scenes included blacksmiths, tailors, barbers, and weavers—professions that once thrived in the city. The statues, meticulously crafted by talented Iraqi artists, reflect the traditional attire, tools, and environments of these trades, providing visitors with a realistic and immersive experience. Each figure was made to portray the Baghdad community as it existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum officially opened its doors on January 1, 1970, offering a time capsule of Baghdad’s social and cultural life.
Major Developments and Expansion
The Baghdad Museum did not remain static. In 1985, a significant renovation project was undertaken. This project focused on improving both the infrastructure and the exhibits, making the museum more engaging for its growing number of visitors. One of the standout additions was the creation of a Baghdad Alley, which added 39 new scenes and more than 107 new figures, bringing the total number of characters in the museum to well over 200.
These new displays added depth to the museum’s narrative by showing additional trades, street life, and domestic settings. The scenes include:
A cobbler mending shoes
A traditional street vendor
Women preparing food in a Baghdad kitchen
All these elements were designed to bring the old city of Baghdad to life, allowing visitors to feel like they were walking down its streets a century ago.
The Baghdad Market and Café
In 1989, the museum underwent another significant change, which made it even more popular with locals and tourists alike. A Baghdad Market and Baghdad Restaurant were constructed within the museum grounds, providing a more interactive and immersive experience. These new additions allowed visitors not only to view Baghdad’s past but to taste it as well.
The Baghdad Restaurant specializes in traditional Iraqi dishes, offering guests the opportunity to savor local cuisine, while the market features shops selling handcrafted goods and souvenirs, made in the traditional styles passed down through generations.
The museum also set up a space for live performances of traditional Iraqi music, including the Iraqi Maqam, a classical form of music that’s been integral to Baghdad's cultural identity for centuries. This further enhanced the museum’s role as a cultural hub for locals and visitors, making it a vibrant part of the city's social scene.
The Craftsmanship of the Statues
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Baghdad Museum is the craftsmanship of the statues, which were created by some of Iraq’s finest artists. These life-sized figures are incredibly detailed, capturing not only the physical characteristics of the Baghdad locals but also their gestures, postures, and facial expressions. The materials used in the construction of the figures were chosen carefully to ensure longevity, with the aim of preserving the city's history for future generations.
The sculptors worked diligently to portray scenes that would resonate with visitors and transport them back in time. They paid special attention to the cultural nuances of Baghdad's old society, ensuring that the clothing, colors, and environment accurately represented the city’s past.
A Window into Baghdad’s Social and Cultural Life
The Baghdad Museum is more than just a collection of statues and exhibits; it is a window into a bygone era of Baghdad’s social fabric. It showcases the simplicity and unity of life in old Baghdad, where communities thrived based on shared values and mutual support. Through its exhibits, visitors can learn about the rich diversity of the city’s trades and professions, the role of women in domestic life, and the social dynamics that shaped Baghdad's history.
The museum also highlights the multicultural nature of Baghdad, with its exhibits reflecting the various ethnic and religious communities that have lived in the city for centuries. These elements provide visitors with a more comprehensive understanding of how Baghdad functioned as a cultural and economic center in the Middle East.
Visiting the Baghdad Museum
The museum is located near the Mustansiriya School, one of the most iconic educational institutions in Baghdad, and is situated along the Tigris River. This makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring other cultural landmarks in the city.
Entrance Fees: The entry fee for the museum is 25,000 Iraqi dinars, making it an affordable cultural experience for both locals and international tourists.
Opening Hours:
The museum is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM on all days except Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays, when it is closed.
It is also closed on official holidays, so it is recommended to check in advance before planning your visit.
those looking to plan their trip, you can find the exact location maps.app.goo.gl6 the Baghdad Museum on .
Practical Information for Visitors
When visiting the Baghdad Museum, make sure to:
Plan your visit during the weekdays when the museum is open.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the exhibits are spread over a large area.
Bring a camera, as photography is usually allowed in most areas of the museum (check the specific rules upon entry).
Explore the nearby attractions, such as the Mustansiriya School and the Tigris River banks.
If you’re interested in traditional Iraqi cuisine, make sure to stop by the Baghdad Restaurant inside the museum for a meal. The restaurant serves classic dishes such as kebab, masgouf, and dolma, giving visitors a taste of Baghdad’s culinary heritage.
The Baghdad Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural history and its commitment to preserving its heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of art and craftsmanship, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Baghdad Museum offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the traditional way of life in old Baghdad. Its carefully crafted exhibits, vibrant cultural events, and unique setting make it one of the top attractions for anyone visiting Iraq’s capital.