Jiroft Archaeological Museum

The Jiroft Archaeological Museum is one of the cultural and historical attractions of the city of Jiroft in Kerman Province, and it houses valuable artifacts from the ancient history of the region. Thanks to the extensive archaeological discoveries at sites around the Halil River, especially the ancient mounds of Konar Sandal, Jiroft holds an important place in the study of the ancient civilizations of southeastern Iran. The Jiroft Archaeological Museum is located on Halil Boulevard, within the area of Daliri Park, and displays part of the artifacts recovered from excavations in this region. The emergence of the well-known Jiroft collection in the early 2000s (early 1380s in the Solar Hijri calendar) drew the attention of researchers and history enthusiasts to this area and highlighted more than ever the need to protect and preserve its historical objects. The museum gives visitors an opportunity to become familiar with part of the region's cultural heritage and to gain a clearer picture of the art, beliefs and way of life of the people who lived in this land in ancient times.

The Jiroft Archaeological Museum holds about 500 historical and ancient artifacts, a large part of which belong to the third millennium BC, while some date from the historical and Islamic periods. Stone and pottery vessels, pieces of soapstone (chlorite) with delicate carved designs, marble statues, bronze figurines, beads and ornaments are among the notable items in the collection. The decorations on some of the vessels show humans, animals, palm trees, snakes, scorpions and mythical creatures, reflecting the artistic and symbolic aspects of the region's ancient cultures. One of the distinctive works attributed to this collection is the scorpion-man statue, which combines human and animal features. The delicacy of the carving on soapstone and the complex composition of the designs are also among the features that make Jiroft's artifacts appealing to enthusiasts of archaeology and ancient art. Given the large number of objects discovered in the region, not all of them are displayed in this museum; some are kept in storage or in the collections of other museums. Besides introducing you to ancient artifacts, a visit to this museum also gives you a better understanding of the process of discovering and protecting Jiroft's historical heritage.

To visit the Jiroft Archaeological Museum, you need to travel to the city of Jiroft and then head to Daliri Park via Halil Boulevard; using city taxis can also make it easier to reach the area. If you are travelling from the city of Kerman, you should take the Kerman–Jiroft road, and before your trip you should check the road conditions and the time needed to reach your destination. The museum can be visited in every season; however, autumn, winter and mild spring days usually offer more suitable weather for travelling to Jiroft and exploring the city's historical attractions. To see the artifacts properly and read their descriptions, it is best to allow about one to two hours. The museum's opening hours and closing days may change, so check the latest visiting information before you go. During your visit, avoid touching the artifacts, leaning on the display cases, or taking photographs in violation of the museum's rules, and respect the instructions of the museum staff so that this valuable heritage is preserved for future visitors as well.