The oldest artefact in the museum are from Kashafrud, Darband and Ganj Par, sites that date back to the Lower Paleolithic period. Mousterian stone tools made by Neanderthals are also on display in in the first hall. The most important Upper Paleolithic tools are from the Yafteh Cave, dating back approximately 30,000-35,000 years. There are also 9,000 year old human and animal figurines from Teppe Sarab in Kermanshah Province among the many other ancient artifacts.

The National Museum of Iran, located in Tehran, is the largest and most comprehensive museum in the Middle East. Founded in 1937, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient stone tools to contemporary art. The museum has three main sections: Prehistory, Ancient Iran and Modern Iran. The Prehistory section houses a large collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, including stone tools, pottery, and human remains. Additionally, this section contains a large number of artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Achaemenid periods.

The Ancient Iran section houses artifacts from the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods, including sculptures, coins, and ceramics. Additionally, this section includes a large number of artifacts from the Islamic period, ranging from calligraphy and miniature paintings to manuscripts and books. Finally, the Modern Iran section contains artifacts from the Qajar and Pahlavi periods, including furniture, weapons, and coins. Additionally, this section includes a large number of contemporary works of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and installations.