Tehran Museums

This spectacular terrace, known as the Marble Throne, was built in 1806 by the order of Fath Ali Shah of the Qajar dynasty (r. 1797–1834). Adorned by paintings, marble-carvings, tile-work, stucco, mirrors, enamel, woodcarvings, and lattice windows, the throne embodies the finest of Iranian architecture. The Marble Throne is one of the oldest buildings of the historic arg.

Dating back to 1759, this building was a part of the interior residence of Karim Khan of the Zand dynasty

The Pond House was used as a summer chamber during the Qajar era. Works of European painters presented to the Qajar court are housed at the Pond House.

The Brilliant Hall was named so for it is adorned by the brilliant mirror work of Iranian artisans. The Brilliant Hall is famous for its mirror work and chandeliers. An oil painting by Yahya Khan.

All the chinaware that were dedicated to Qajar kings by the European kings were taken to this room and were arranged in show cases which were built for this purpose. Among the chinaware in this hall, these are the most exceptional:

1. The chinaware that shows the Napoleonic Wars, dedicated by Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. The chinaware dedicated by Nicholas I of Russia.
3. The chinaware studded with gems and jewels, dedicated by Queen Victoria.
4. The chinaware dedicated by Wilhelm II to the Iranian crown prince.
5. A set made by malachite stone, dedicated by Alexander III of Russia.

Ivory Hall is a large hall used as a dining room. It was decorated with some gifts presented to Nasser ed Din Shah by European monarchs.

The Mirror Hall is the most famous of the halls of the Golestan Palace. This relatively small hall is famous for its extraordinary mirror work.

The Salam (“Reception”) Hall was originally designed to be a museum. After the Sun Throne (Takht e Khorshid) was moved to the Royal Jewels Museum at the Central Bank of Iran, this hall was designated to hold special receptions in the presence of the king, hence the name Salam Hall.

It is called Talar e Almas (“the Diamond Hall”) because of the exceptional mirror work inside the building. As the basic structure dates back to the time of Fath Ali Shah, it is only apt that this hall should be devoted to the exhibition of art and handicrafts from that period.

The Building of Wind-catchers was constructed during the reign of Fath Ali Shah. It is flanked by two rooms known as Gushvar (“corner-like”). There is a central room which boasts the finest stained glass window in the Golestan Palace. Outside, there are four wind towers of blue, yellow and black glazed tiles and a golden cupola. The Wind-catchers are constructed to allow the cooling wind move through the structure.

The Edifice of the Sun is considered the most stunning structure of the Golestan Palace. The idea of building a tall structure came to Nasser ed Din Shah who wanted a structure from which he could have panoramic views of the city.

The building has two identical towers. The exterior views have multiple arches, intricate tile work and ornate windows. This building’s two towers are in fact small versions of the Safavid viewing palace of Ali Qapu in Isfahan.

Under the reign of Nasser ed Din Shah, this building was used as a warehouse for the chinaware and silverware which was dedicated to Qajar kings.

By time of the Pahlavi dynasty, this warehouse was turned into a museum to expose the rare gifts which were given to the Qajar kings.

The Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid sent precious gifts to Nasser ed Din Shah, and reportedly, these gifts were copious and enough to fill a castle. The Qajar monarch decided to build an exhibit hall worthy of these gifts within the confines of the Golestan Palace, and eventually the Abyaz Palace was constructed.

Completed in 1883, the Abyaz (“White”) Palace now houses one of the most interesting ethological museums in Iran. It includes a colorful exhibition of traditional Iranian costumes (Anthropology museum), as well as a folk art exhibition.

Nasser ed Din Shah was very impressed by the exhibition of artifacts and valuable objects at European museums during his second European tour around 1872. He arrived back in Tehran intent on building a museum hall to exhibit paintings, royal jewels, and other royal artifacts.

There is an early photographic collection at the Golestan complex which includes photos which are mainly related to the time of the 19th-century progress of photography in Europe. It was created by the order of Naser ed Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty

White Palace is the largest mansion in this complex. In addition to ceremonial and official affairs this building was used as a summer residence of Mohammad Reza Shah (the second king of Pahlavi dynasty) and the queen Farah.

The first king of Pahlavi, Reza Shah ordered to build this palace in 1932 which was completed by 1937. But it was effectively used three years later.

This building has 54 units including ten large ceremonial saloons which were the official reception hall of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

One of the splendid buildings of Sadabad is the Fine Art Museum which was used as the royal court during 1968 – 1979.
In 1983 it was inaugurated as the “Fine Art Museum” which has attracted many art lovers.

This building is situated in southern part of Saad Abad and is a three story building covering an area of 3600 square meters.

There are numerous beautiful paintings with western and eastern styles on display for visitors.

Shahvand Palace which is now called Green Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Iran. Formerly this building belonged to someone called “AliKhan” who was one of the big land owners and later it was bought by Reza Shah.

During 1923-1929 Reza Shah renovated and redecorated this building by an architect called” Mirza Jafar Memar Bashi”.

The outside view is covered by rare pearl green stones from Zanjan province hence it was called Green Palace. This palace is a two story building in an area of 1203 square meters.

The most interesting part of this palace is the mirror hall with a made to measure carpet of seventy square meters, woven in the Amoughli carpet workshop in Mashhad.

This building belonged to Shams Pahlavi (Reza Shah`s daughter). It is a mixture of Iranian and European architecture. It was built by the order of Reza Shah during 1936-1940. Shams Pahlavi used this building as her summer residence, and then in 1964 she sold it to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

During 1964-1979 this palace was used as a private museum of Pahlavi dynasty and it housed numerous antiques and royal gifts.

After the revolution since 1995 till 2004 this place was used as the Anthropology Museum. Later in February 2010 it was converted to the museum of “Contemporary History and Royal Gifts of Pahlavi Dynasty”.

Royal clothes of Pahlavi family (the queen, Mohammad Reza Shah, Reza Shah and his family) are on exhibit inn this museum.

Originally this building was the residence of Pahlavi`s children (Farahnaz and Ali Reza). It is a two storey building and its architecture belongs to late Qajar (1794-1925) and early Pahlavi era (1925-1979).
Since 1997, it was used as Calligraphy Museum of Master MirEmad, the most famous Calligrapher of Safavid dynasty (1501-1722).
There are Collections of selected works of famous calligraphers of Iran’s Islamic periods (from the 10th to 20th century AD) such as MirEmad, Mustasimi, Ahmad Neyrizi, Kalhor and etc.

This center has been formed to show the documents of contemporary history (Pahlavi era) with a focus on Saadabad and its importance as the location of the Royal Court Building.
This exhibition includes some written and visual documents, albums, different seals and golden plaques, different types of envelopes, sheets and etc.

This building was built during Qajar era (1794-1925) and in the course of the first Pahlav, it was the residence and office of Reza Shah. Later, it was used as the summer residence of Reza Pahlavi in his childhood, this building was called “The Prince Palace”.

In 1994, with the donation of some works of Master Hossain Behzad to the Cultural Heritage Organization by his son at this great artist`s centennial birthday, this building was inaugurated as Master Behzad Museum.

Precious paintings by Master Behzad, who is one of the founders of contemporary painting and his ideas, opinions and works led to fundamental changes in the contemporary Iranian art, is displayed in this museum.

This building was built by the order of Reza Shah in 1939 and covers an area of 3000 square meters and is a two and half story building built for Tajol Molok, the second wife of Reza Shah and mother of the king Mohammad Reza Shah.

During 1973-1974 this building was renovated and was gifted to Shahram (Shah’s nephew) and hence called “Shahram’s Palace”.

In 1984 this building changed to the military museum and now it shows Military History of Iran and contains all sorts of weapons, uniforms, pictures, books and other related items.

Originally this building was the residence of Mohammad Reza`s brother, Gholam Reza Pahlavi.

This collection contains more than 70 pieces of war weapons and numerous hunting rifles made in some of the famous manufacturers such as: Remington, Winchester, Spring Field and Brno. There are also some of the earlier weapons made by Iranian Royal army in this museum.

There are some gun powder leather bags remaining from Qajar era. One of the highlights of this museum is an outstanding front-loaded rifle with its gun hammer which belongs to 16th century which was made in India.

Royal cars, used by Pahlavi dynasty are on display in this exhibition. The cars such as: Mercedes Benz 600, Rolls Royce, Cadillac.

This museum covers an area of 2600 square meters. This two-story building was built during 1937-1940 by the order of Reza Shah by a famous engineer called Farman Farmaniyan.

Originally this building was covered by carved stones, in 1972 on the order of Ashraf Pahlavi the building was expanded and renovated and its outside walls were covered by alabaster stones.

In 1994 this place was rearranged to be used as Plates Museum.

It was constructed during Pahlavi the second as the kitchen of the White Palace. In 1975, a German company was assigned to equip the kitchen with modern utensils.

This building which was built during the second Pahlavi was the special office of Mohammad Reza Shah that was used for reception of the Courtiers and clients. Later it was assigned to General Kasraee (Person in charge of Military Protection) and after Islamic Revolution of Iran, it changes to Water Museum.

This 2670 square meters building is located at the south east of Green Palace in Saadabad Complex and this museum is an exhibition of ancient and traditional techniques and instruments for water supplement and distribution. Various water-related structures such as water reservoirs and traditional ice houses are introduced here.

Some ancient water dams and royal orders concerning them are presented as well.

This museum is located in the central part of SaadAbad, and it was built during Qajarian era. This building was the residence of Reza Shah and his fourth wife queen Esmat. During Mohammad Reza Pahlavi era, his brother and later his chief cook used to live here.

In the year 2002 this building was converted to Master Mahmood Farshchian Museum. It hosts fifty paintings of this outstanding artist in its five halls.

This museum is located at the north west of Saadabad complex and was built during Qajar era.

This place was used as the residence of the king’s carriages drivers.

On the occasion of International Tourism Day, it was named after the first Iranian tourists called Omidvar brothers who traveled around the world. They started their journey with only 90 $ in 1954 and they were traveling for ten years.

During 1967-1971 by the order of the queen Farah Pahlavi the basement of White Palace turned to a special art museum.

After the revolution in 1992 it was named Nations Art Museum. this place contains unique collection of art works from all over the world which have been either bought or gifted and they range from: pre-Islam civilization, Islamic era, parts of Africa, India, Far East, Malaya, and also contemporary arts of Iran and the rest of the world.

Closed for renovations until 2018 this Qajar period building in the Niyavaran Cultural Historic Complex was once Nasser-al Din Shah’s harem before later being transformed into Mohammad Reza Shah’s office. It contains a fine collection of paintings and other furnishings, including several colourful Qajar-era works.

Niavaran palace was designed as a place for welcome of the royal and high-ranking guests of the court but it was allocated to the place of accommodation of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his family through some changes during its construction.

Mohsen Foroughi has designed this building inspired by the Iranian architecture and combination of art styles of before and after Islam. This palace has two main floors and a half floor in the middle of them in a modern style. This palace was conquered by the revolutionary forces in 1357

Ahmad Shahi Pavilion is beside Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s dwelling, Niavaran Palace. The Pavilion was built at the end of the Qajar era as Ahmad Shah’s dwelling among Niavaran garden.

The Ahmad Shahi pavilion, after refurbishment and interior additions, was utilized as the house and workplace of Reza Pahlavi by wholly altering its furniture during the Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Two rooms here are filled with a small but well-displayed example of the eclectic collection of modern and ancient art gathered by Farah Diba, mainly during the 1970s. Works by Warhol, Picasso and Joan Miró share space with Iranian archaeological artefacts and finds from sites in Mexico and Egypt, and rotating exhibits of contemporary Iranian art.

Private library of the Niavaran Palace Complex is a historical complex remaining from the Qajar and Pahlavi periods. The library was established by Empress Farah and consists of about 23,000 books, mostly in the Persian and French languages, and specializes in books related to philosophy.

Formerly used as a garage, the vintage car museum of Tehran’s Niavaran Palace houses the Pahlavi family’s private cars, small motorcycles owned by their children, and some car replicas.

The most beautiful cars on display are two Rolls-Royce dating back to the second Pahlavi era.

is the first Iranian museum. A French architect, named André Godard, started the construction of the museum on May 11, 1934 by the order of Reza Shah. The facade and the entrance of the museum were both made in the same style of Taq Kasra. Taq Kasra was a palace in Ctesiphon, the capital of the Sasanian Empire.

This museum proudly celebrates the rich heritage of Iran with a spectacular collection of sculptures, ceramics and seals that date back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC.

this museum offers a stunning collection of arts and antiquities from throughout the Islamic period, including calligraphy, carpets, ceramics, woodcarving, sculpture, miniatures, brickwork and textiles.

In this museum which surveys the school of Kamal-ol Molk (Mohammad Qaffari), paintings of the master together with the works of two generations of his students have been put on display. The museum also demonstrates documents relating to the school for fine industries.

Is home to valued works of the remarkable Iranian artist: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian.

Through simplicity and attention to detail along with lighting, mirror works and the enchanting shine/sparkle they create, it seems that the space itself is an art creation giving us a chance to experience, wonder, sense and discover in-between the tremendous striking splendors.