Archaeology of Western Iran: Exploring Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Heritage

This thematic exhibition explores 5,000 years of history in Western Iran, from the origins of urban civilization to the Sassanid dynasty. It features an exceptional collection of over 100 artifacts on loan from the Louvre Museum, highlighting the region's rich cultural and archaeological heritage.

The exhibition offers a comprehensive journey through the history of Western Iran, a region spanning from Armenia in the north to Fars in the south. It examines the deep archaeological significance of areas like Suse, which served as a crucial crossroads between Mesopotamia, the Iranian plateau, and Central Asia. Through three main historical phases—proto-historical, Elamite, and the imperial periods including Persian and Parthian dynasties—the display highlights the area's continuous occupation and complex cultural influences. The collection comprises over 100 pieces primarily from the Louvre Museum's Antiquities department, supplemented by items from the Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire and the Adolf Michaelis Museum. The exhibition is organized into two distinct sections: a chronological survey of the stratigraphy of sites such as Tepe Sialk and Tchogha Zanbil, and a thematic exploration of ancient Iranian society, encompassing topics like writing, agriculture, economy, religion, and daily life.

Visitors can access this exhibition via guided tours, which require prior booking through the official library ticketing website. The entry fee is 4€ at a reduced rate for all visitors, with free admission available to specific groups including those under 16, job seekers, and holders of the Museum-PASS-Musées or the Bnu culture card, payable on-site.