The Basra Museum is located in the city of Basra, Iraq, and is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. Situated within the premises of the Lakeside Palace of Saddam Hussein, the museum was inaugurated in September 2016. After the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, the British military initially used the palace, which was later handed over to the Basra Governorate to be converted into a museum. The museum showcases the history and heritage of Iraq from the earliest times to the present. It is home to antiquities and artifacts that reflect the rich history of the region that was once part of Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization. The collections include important Islamic manuscripts, ancient Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian artifacts, as well as exhibits from the Hellenistic period and the era of Ottoman rule. The museum serves as a center for education and research, providing an insight into the past cultures and civilizations that thrived in the area. It plays a vital role in preserving the heritage and promoting the understanding of Iraq's historical significance.