Ancient Iraq: New Discoveries

Admission Free
Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 12noon-4pm
Closed on Mondays

Some of the first cities in the world developed in Ancient Iraq. Its people developed and devised many things that we take for granted today, from the wheel to schools. They invented irrigation systems to water crops, divided time into 60-second minutes and 60-minute hours, and created writing – one of the most important developments in human history.

This British Museum touring exhibition celebrates the rich cultural legacy of Iraq through 80 remarkable objects and two fascinating stories, helping to highlight the challenges of protecting Iraq's diverse cultural heritage following decades of conflict. The first story is a tale of one of Ancient Iraq’s earliest cities, Girsu, home of the world’s oldest surviving bridge and an archaeological site that date dates to over 4,000 years old. The later one is of Qalatga Darband, an ancient fortress built around 2,000 years ago in what is now Iraqi Kurdistan, during a turbulent time of changing empires. Star objects in the exhibition will highlight previous fieldwork, archaeological research and new discoveries made in both of these sites as part of the British Museum's Iraq Scheme (2015-2020). The British Museum is now looking to the future as it continues to work with Iraqi colleagues to help restore this country’s precious past after years of damage and destruction.

BIG DISCOVERY WEEKEND: ANCIENT IRAQ

Saturday 18 June, 10am-4pm &
Sunday 19 June, 12noon-4pm
Free activities for all the family

In the final weekend of our exciting exhibition Ancient Iraq: New Discoveries, join us for a weekend of activities inspired by the stories behind the objects on display. 

MORE ABOUT BIG DISCOVERY WEEKEND

Discover what other events we have on to celebrate the Ancient Iraqi legacy here:

FIND OUT MORE

Safety Information

The safety of our visitors, staff and students is our priority. Here's what we're doing to help keep everyone safe, and what you can do to help.

 

FACE COVERINGS

 

Although it is no longer mandatory, we continue to ask staff and visitors to wear a face-covering if they can when inside our buildings.

 

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Although it is no longer mandatory, we ask that visitors give people space where it is sensible or requested.

IF YOU'RE FEELING UNWELL

We will refund tickets to anyone that tests positive or is displaying symptoms of Covid-19 as long as we’re notified at least two hours prior to an event start time.

HAND SANITISER STATIONS

Hand sanitiser is available at regular intervals throughout our venues. We recommend you make use of these upon arriving and leaving our venue.

INCREASED CLEANING

The frequency of our cleaning throughout our venues has been increased, including toilets and other facilities.

CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS

We are able to accept both contactless and cash payments in our venues, though contactless payments are preferred.