Founded in 1919 as a research lab to trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of the Middle East, the Museum opened to the public in 1931 as a showcase for the history, art, and archaeology of the ancient Near East.
The museum's permanent galleries are devoted to ancient Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, and the ancient site of Megiddo, as well as rotating special exhibits.