Baghdad Planetarium

The Baghdad Planetarium, located in al-Zawra'a Park, is a significant astronomical landmark in Iraq, opened in 1979 under Saddam Hussein. It was the first planetarium in the Middle East and served as a popular destination for school trips and astronomy enthusiasts. Originally part of ambitious plans for a cultural complex in Baghdad, the planetarium faced severe damage during the Gulf War and the US invasion in 2003, leading to its closure. Despite efforts to rehabilitate it since 2011, the future remains uncertain, though many hope for its revival as a center for astronomical education.