Museums are some of the most at-risk places during war and conflict. They are among the first locations that need protection. This is because the items kept in museums are often one of a kind and cannot be replaced if they are lost or destroyed. In times of war, museums must be looked after with extra care.
International laws related to museums explain how historical objects should be moved to safe places during war or unrest. In some cases, if the danger grows, it is even allowed to send these items to another country to keep them safe. The goal is to protect a nation’s history and culture from damage or loss.
These international rules also warn about the risk of museums being looted during large-scale wars. One clear example is what happened during the Iraq–U.S. war, when many museums in Iraq were looted. At the same time, it is the responsibility of each government to protect their cultural and historical items and pass them on to future generations.
So, during war, one of the most important jobs of any government is to take strong steps to guard historical items—especially those kept in museums.
Documenting and Moving Museum Artifacts During Wartime
One of the most important tasks for protecting museum artifacts during war is proper documentation. Taking detailed photographs, recording the exact date of discovery, noting the weight, and writing a full report with close observations of each item reduces the chances of the object being lost or damaged during transport. Good documentation also increases the chances of identifying and recovering the artifacts later if needed.
It is clear that museum items must be moved using safe and suitable packaging, and the new location must meet security and preservation standards. This process should be done by trained professionals who understand how to handle and transport historical and cultural objects properly.
In addition, support from international organizations, such as UNESCO, can be very helpful. Consulting with international cultural institutions and seeking their advice is a smart and effective way to protect museum items during times of war or crisis.
Rules for Moving Museum Artifacts in Iran
Iran is home to more than 480 museums, and since the start of its legal system, around 46 laws have been passed related to museum operations. One of the earliest laws, called the National Heritage Protection Law, was approved in November 1930 (1309 SH). This puts Iran among the leading countries in passing laws to protect museums and cultural heritage (Shargh Newspaper, May 18, 2022). However, many of these laws are now outdated and need to be revised.
According to current regulations in Iran, museum artifacts can only be moved if the Council of Ministers gives approval. The process starts by sending a request to the Deputy for Cultural Heritage. If approved, the request is forwarded to the General Office of Museums. After more review, if permission is granted, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance is informed about how many items will be moved. The transfer is then carried out with escort from the Heritage Protection Unit and the police (Asr-e Iran, March 13, 2018).
These transfers usually happen when there is a real threat, such as war or a natural disaster, and there is concern that the artifacts could be damaged or stolen. The protocols for moving museum artifacts are very strict and detailed, with many steps involved to make sure the items are protected (ILNA, June 13, 2025).
Now, with airstrikes hitting Tehran and other cities, there are growing fears about damage to Iran’s museum collections. In response, Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, has instructed museum directors across the country to move all valuable historical items to safe and secure storages (ILNA, June 13, 2025).
Timeline of Protecting Cultural Heritage During Recent Attacks on Iranian Cities
In the weeks following the recent crisis and conflict, besides worrying about the safety of our fellow citizens, many people who care about Iran’s cultural heritage were concerned that ancient artifacts and museums might be damaged. Thankfully, Iran’s cultural heritage was not harmed during this time. However, the loud noise and shockwaves from explosions could still affect historic buildings, and the damage might show up later.
According to the 1954 Hague Convention, countries agree to protect cultural property within their borders during war. This convention includes preventive steps and penalties if these protections are broken.
Iran’s own National Heritage Protection Law also safeguards important cultural sites, buildings, and artifacts. Registered national heritage sites get special protection, and it is illegal to damage or change them in ways that weaken their structure.
Protecting cultural heritage in times of war is a global responsibility that all countries must follow.
Below is a timeline of the steps taken during the recent conflict to protect Iran’s historical and cultural treasures.
Closure of Museums and Heritage Sites After Recent Attacks
Saturday, June 14 (24 Khordad) — Due to recent projectile attacks, many museums in Tehran and some other cities were closed. This was announced by the public relations office of the Dafineh Museum Group, which oversees several museums including the Dafineh Museum Complex, Time Museums, Iranian Art (Marble Palace), Historic Cars of Iran, Light and Illumination, Tar and Pood (Yazd), Isfahan Arts, and the Ramsar Museum Complex.
Visitors were encouraged to explore these museums through online virtual tours.
It’s important to note that all museums and historic sites under the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts had been closed since Friday, June 13 (23 Khordad).
National Jewelry Treasury Remains Closed
Sunday, June 15 (25 Khordad) — The National Jewelry Treasury announced it would stay closed until further notice due to the current situation in the country.
Taq Bostan Site Remains Safe
Sunday, June 15 (25 Khordad) — The director of the Taq Bostan National Site in Kermanshah said that despite projectiles hitting northern parts of the city, constant monitoring showed no damage or physical changes to the arches at Taq Bostan.
This update came after a missile landed about 3 kilometers from the historic site, raising concerns.
The Taq Bostan relief is a famous Sassanian-era monument that shows historical events from the reign of several Sassanian kings, especially Khosrow II.
Concerns About Explosion Damage to Historical Sites
According to IRNA News Agency (June 16, 2025), experts warn that both direct attacks and indirect effects like shockwaves and vibrations from explosions can harm Iran’s historical sites.
The recent missile strikes near Kermanshah have caused new worries about the safety of the Taq Bostan complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Sites and Ancient Qanat of Tehran Remain Undamaged
Monday, June 15 (26 Khordad) — After recent projectile attacks in Iran, the Deputy of Cultural Heritage for Tehran Province reported that no damage has been found to Tehran’s historic sites. Although projectiles hit parts of Tehran’s old districts, the reported destruction of the ancient qanat in northern Tehran (Ghods Square, Tajrish) was denied. The official stated, “Our inspections confirm the historic qanat remains intact.”
Isfahan on High Alert
Monday, June 15 (26 Khordad) — The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Isfahan announced the closure of museums holding valuable artifacts and the use of military and police forces to protect historic buildings. Isfahan has over 22,000 historical sites, including 1,940 national heritage sites, 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and more than 600 historic houses.
Zinat-ol-Molk House and Narenjestan Garden Museum Remain Open
Friday, June 20 (30 Khordad) — ISNA reported that although most museums across Iran have been closed since June 13 (23 Khordad) to protect cultural heritage during this sensitive time, some places like the Narenjestan Garden Museum and Zinat-ol-Molk House Museum in Shiraz are still open. ISNA also raised concerns that not moving artifacts to secure storage or keeping some sites open might increase risks.
Earthquake in Semnan
Saturday, June 21 (31 Khordad) — During the ongoing conflict, an earthquake occurred 17 kilometers from Sorkheh in Semnan Province. It was also felt in Tehran and Mazandaran provinces. This caused worries about possible damage to historical buildings in Semnan. However, the head of Semnan’s Cultural Heritage Department said after checking the sites that no historical buildings or artifacts were damaged in the earthquake.
Concerns from the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
Saturday, June 21 (31 Khordad) — ICOM expressed strong concern about the growing threats to museums and their staff caused by the current conflict. They asked all sides involved to respect international rules protecting cultural heritage during peace and war.
Earlier, Iranian museum experts had asked international groups like UNESCO, ICOM, and ICOMOS to firmly condemn these violations and help stop them.
Letter to UNESCO
Sunday, June 22 (1 Tir) — A group of Iranian cultural, scientific, artistic, and academic figures sent a letter to UNESCO’s Director-General. They asked UNESCO to take immediate action to protect Iran’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage. The letter referred to important international agreements like the 1954 Hague Convention on protecting cultural property during armed conflict, the 1972 World Heritage Convention, and UN Security Council Resolution 2347. They said that military attacks on cultural sites break international obligations to protect the shared heritage of humanity.
Requests to ICOMOS and ICOM
Monday, June 22 (2 Tir) — Dr. Mehdi Hojjat, head of ICOMOS Iran (National Council of Historic Buildings and Sites), and Ahmad Mohit Tabatabaei, head of ICOM Iran (National Museum Committee), sent separate letters to ICOMOS and ICOM. They asked for quick and careful action to protect Iran’s rich cultural heritage, which is also part of the world’s shared history, from the current conflicts.
Iran’s Work to Protect Historical Sites
Tuesday, June 23 (3 Tir) — Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, talked about the steps taken to protect cultural heritage during the war. Protective orders were put into action immediately. With the help of security forces and experts, historical artifacts were moved to safe places. A special committee was created at the start of the crisis to protect both physical and non-physical heritage. They started digital archiving, marking locations on maps, and careful documentation, and these efforts are still ongoing.
He hopes this difficult time will lead to better ways to take care of museums and Iran’s cultural and historical treasures.
