National Museum of Aleppo

Located on Baron Street in the heart of Aleppo, Syria, right near the famous Baron Hotel, the National Museum of Aleppo is the city's largest museum. Founded in 1931 and housed in a modern structure designed by Yugoslav architects, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Syrian archaeology, particularly finds from the northern region. As you step up to the entrance, you are greeted by an extraordinary temple gateway featuring an Iron Age female sphinx from Tell Halaf.

Inside, the ground floor showcases Stone Age tools—including an 8,500 BC human shelter from Mureybet—alongside Bronze and Iron Age treasures from Hama, Ugarit, Mari, and Ebla. Head upstairs to explore Classical remnants from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, alongside Arabic-Islamic history featuring 12th-century astrolabes, manuscripts, and modern Syrian art. Finally, step into the courtyards to view massive basaltic statues of Hittite and Roman mythological figures alongside ancient mosaics and Assyrian monuments.

While the museum faced shell damage in 2016 and earthquake cracks in 2023, its world-class collection remains a powerful gateway to Syria's rich past.

What to see at National Museum of Aleppo

• Tell Halaf Neo-Hittite temple gateway featuring a 9th-century BC female sphinx
• Oldest civilized human shelter (8500 BC) brought from Mureybet
• Bronze and Iron Age statues, cuneiform scripts, and artifacts from Mari, Ugarit, and Ebla
• Arabic-Islamic history gallery housing a 12th-century astrolabe and tomb
• Courtyard displaying huge basaltic Hittite and Roman mythological statues

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore both the internal and external courtyards to view the colossal basaltic statues and ancient mosaics outdoors.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Museum of Aleppo is easy to reach on Aleppo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Great Mosque of Aleppo and Citadel of Aleppo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Aleppo travel guide.