Nestled in Baghdad, the Iraq Media Museum offers a captivating journey through the history of Iraqi media and art. Featuring rare artifacts, vintage equipment, and historical archives, the museum celebrates decades of media evolution while preserving the nation’s cultural identity.
Established in 2022 under the management of Mina Al-Hilu, the museum stands as a tribute to Iraq’s rich media heritage. The project was initiated with support from Naseer Shamma in 2018 and funded by the Iraqi Private Banks League.
A glimpse into Iraq’s media past
Housed in a building once used for radio training and later as a substitute for the Iraq Studio, the museum displays an array of historical items that tell the story of Iraq’s media landscape. These include:
Television cameras and radio equipment from the mid-20th century.
Photographic equipment and film editing devices from as early as the 1910s.
Magazines and newspapers chronicling over five decades of Iraqi journalism.
Personal contributions from notable media figures, such as:
Awards donated by actor Sami Kaftan.
Handwritten works from the late filmmaker Yusuf Al-Ani, gifted by his family.
The complete studio of photographers Abdullah and Hussein Hassoun.
Rare and iconic artifacts
Among the museum’s unique treasures is a golden bird in a cage, a gift from Adolf Hitler to King Ghazi in the 1930s. This artifact, nearly lost to theft, was later recovered and donated to the museum by radio director Khattab Omar.
Another highlight is a sound mixer used by renowned Iraqi composer Talib Al-Qaraghuli, alongside numerous other items that showcase Iraq’s artistic and media ingenuity.
Museum layout and future plans
The museum currently consists of three main halls:
- Journalism Hall: Featuring archives and press-related items.
- Television and Radio Hall: Home to vintage broadcasting equipment.
- Miscellaneous Hall: Displaying a variety of media artifacts.
Additionally, an upper floor includes:
A hall mimicking the set of the iconic show “Sports in a Week”.
An exhibition space for presentations and events.
Expansion plans
The museum has ambitious plans to expand with new halls dedicated to:
Pioneers of Iraqi culture and art.
Iraqi cinema memorabilia.
A caricature and comics archive to celebrate the nation’s satirical art.
Challenges and calls for collaboration
Despite its significance, the museum struggles to attract international visitors. Mina Al-Hilu expressed frustration over the lack of coordination with tourism authorities, noting that tours to the museum are absent from Baghdad’s 2025 tourism programs.
Given that Baghdad was chosen as the Capital of Tourism 2025, the Ministry of Culture and related institutions should have included the Media Museum in tour itineraries for Arab and foreign delegations,” Al-Hilu remarked.
Sources and contributions
The museum’s collection has grown thanks to contributions from:
Iraqi Media Network warehouses, providing a majority of the items.
Ministry of Culture and Parliament archives, including equipment from the 1980s.
Donations from media personalities, citizens, and private collectors.
In total, more than 200 artifacts have been collected, cataloged, and restored with the help of retired engineers and media professionals.
A unique cultural destination
The Iraq Media Museum is more than a collection of artifacts—it’s a window into the soul of Iraq’s media history. With rare treasures, fascinating exhibits, and plans for expansion, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Iraqi culture.
For tourists and locals alike, the museum offers a unique opportunity to experience Iraq’s rich artistic and media legacy.
source/content: iraqinews.com (headline edited)
____________
Iraq’s Media Museum
________
IRAQ