Blast damages western Iran’s Darreh-Shahr museum as artifacts remain protected
The Darreh-Shahr Archaeological Museum in Iran’s western Ilam Province sustained an estimated 100 billion rials ($5,650) in structural damage during the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, provincial heritage officials said on Thursday, while confirming that all historical artifacts were moved to secure locations before the escalation and remained unharmed.
Raeed Naserifar, deputy head of Cultural Heritage in Ilam, told ISNA that the museum was affected by blast shockwaves, resulting in damage to windows, display cases, and parts of the false ceiling. “We implemented pre-emptive measures,” he said, adding that the collections were “fully transferred” before the onset of hostilities.
“Not a single historical object was exposed to direct risk,” Naserifar said, underscoring that protective protocols were activated in advance in coordination with national security and heritage authorities.
Across the country, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has reported that 149 historical sites in 20 provinces sustained varying degrees of damage during the conflict period, with total losses estimated at around $48 million, highlighting the nationwide impact on cultural infrastructure.
Despite the structural setback, officials stressed that the museum’s core integrity remains intact. Restoration assessments have been completed and emergency funding procedures are underway to accelerate repairs.
Naserifar said the damage is “mostly superficial,” noting that priority is now being given to rapid restoration so the museum can resume full operations and continue its role as a key repository of regional archaeological heritage.