The Iranian authorities have authorized the reopening of all the country’s museums and heritage sites from September 22, 2025. This decision of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Crafts ended almost three months of closure, resulting in the twelve -day war against Israel. The institutions must verify that they are ready to welcome the public and that the works are in place.
On June 13, 2025, following an Israeli surprise bombardment on nuclear and military sites, the Iranian government had ordered the immediate closure of all museums and cultural sites. Authorities had also emergency transfer the most precious collections to secure warehouses. Ali Darabi, vice-minister and chief of the cultural heritage division, had then explained that these closures constituted a precautionary measure “To protect public security under the current conditions of war and emergency”. The National Museum of Iran, the Palais du Golestan and the Tehran Contemporary Art Museum were concerned.
The lightning war took place from June 13 to 24, 2025. Israel began by carrying out targeted strikes on Iranian installations, causing the death of military and scientific officials. In response, Iran has launched several ballistic missiles and more than a thousand drones against Israeli military, government and civil targets. The United States then militarily supported Israel by bombing nuclear sites. The war ended with a cease-fire negotiated with the United States.
If no damage has been identified in Iranian museums, Tehran has maintained a precautionary policy. The exhibitions have remained closed until the situation is stabilized, still deemed fragile. At the end of July, Ali Darabi announced a progressive reopening in stages: first the outdoor and low -risk sites, then the provincial museums, and finally, in September, all the institutions. Several establishments had however remained closed until this date. Iran has 28 monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as 840 museums.
In Israel, several cultural sites have undergone damage, including the Weizmann house in Rehovot, residence of the first president of the State, and the Hareut museum in Haute-Galilée.
In addition to the reopening, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, announced the creation of a museum dedicated to the twelve-day war against Israel. His exhibitions will complete those of the Museum of the Islamic Revolution and Sacred Defense, devoted to the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.
The Museum of Ancient Iran, one of the 2 buildings of the Iran National Museum in Tehran.
