Provided is a method and apparatus for aligning a three-dimensional (3D) model. The 3D model alignment method includes acquiring, by a processor, at least one two-dimensional (2D) image including an object, detecting, by the processor, a feature point of the object in the at least one 2D input image using a neural network, estimating, by the processor, a 3D pose of the object in the at least one 2D input image using the neural network, retrieving, by the processor, a target 3D model based on the estimated 3D pose, and aligning, by the processor, the target 3D model and the object based on the feature point.