Reopening of the National Baghdad Museum - in pictures

  • Iraq's National Museum in Baghdad reopened to the public after renovation and maintenance work. All photos: EPA
    Iraq's National Museum in Baghdad reopened to the public after renovation and maintenance work. All photos: EPA
  • The museum showcases Iraqi artefacts recovered from the US, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and Lebanon.
    The museum showcases Iraqi artefacts recovered from the US, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and Lebanon.
  • The museum was closed in 2019 for security reasons, amid escalating anti-government protests in the city.
    The museum was closed in 2019 for security reasons, amid escalating anti-government protests in the city.
  • Treasures dating back 2,500 years to the neo-Assyrian empire alongside ninth century Islamic antiquities went back on display.
    Treasures dating back 2,500 years to the neo-Assyrian empire alongside ninth century Islamic antiquities went back on display.
  • A lion head made of pottery dated to 2112-2004 BC is on display.
    A lion head made of pottery dated to 2112-2004 BC is on display.
  • An obelisk of white stone that belonged to King Dadusha of the Eshnunna dynasty, 1830- 1760 BC.
    An obelisk of white stone that belonged to King Dadusha of the Eshnunna dynasty, 1830- 1760 BC.
  • The museum, which has stood at its present site since 1966, was ransacked amid the chaos that followed the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled former dictator Saddam Hussein.
    The museum, which has stood at its present site since 1966, was ransacked amid the chaos that followed the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled former dictator Saddam Hussein.
  • The authorities have recovered around a third of about 15,000 artefacts that were looted.
    The authorities have recovered around a third of about 15,000 artefacts that were looted.
  • ISIS, which controlled swathes of Iraq between 2014 and 2017, carried out large-scale destruction of ancient sites, as well as trafficking in antiquities.
    ISIS, which controlled swathes of Iraq between 2014 and 2017, carried out large-scale destruction of ancient sites, as well as trafficking in antiquities.