National Museum of Yemen

Located in Tahrir Square in central Sanaa near the Qubbat al-Mutawakkil Mosque dome, the National Museum of Yemen offers you a fascinating look into the region's rich archaeological and cultural heritage. Originally founded in 1970 and opened in 1971, the museum moved from its initial home at Dar al-Shukr (Palace of Gratefulness) to the newly renovated, spacious Dar Al-Sada (Palace of Happiness) to showcase an ever-growing collection. Inside this four-story landmark, you will encounter rooms reserved for displaying rare artifacts and monuments gathered from archaeological sites across the country.

As you explore, you will discover artifacts from the ancient Kingdoms of Yemen, historic pieces from Marib, items from the Islamic States era, and personal artifacts from a Yemeni Imam. The collection, which expanded to house over 30,000 antiquity pieces by 2007, draws partly from an earlier museum established by Yemen's Imam. While the museum faced a long closure in 2011 following the Yemeni revolution, it officially reopened twelve years later in 2023, though it sustained damage during attacks in September 2025.

Visiting this historic site allows you to connect directly with centuries of Yemeni history and culture.

What to see at National Museum of Yemen

• Rare artifacts and monuments from ancient Yemeni archaeological sites
• Historic pieces originating from Marib and ancient Kingdoms of Yemen
• Exhibits featuring artifacts from the Islamic States era
• Personal artifacts from a Yemeni Imam displayed in Dar Al-Sada

Visiting tips

Look for the museum in its current home at Dar Al-Sada in Tahrir Square, situated right near the Qubbat al-Mutawakkil Mosque dome.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Museum of Yemen is easy to reach on Sanaa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Great Mosque of Sana'a and Al Saleh Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sanaa travel guide.