Best Tehran Museums
- heliya erfani
- 9 months ago
Best tehran museums, cultural and historical treasures.
The capital of Iran, Tehran, is a city filled with cultural and historical treasures. One way to understand its culture and history is to refer to historical sources and study about it. It’s worth knowing that Tehran has a plethora of tourist attractions and sights that can be appealing to visitors. Among these attractions are its museums, which encapsulate several thousand years of Iran’s history. These museums preserve the most valuable historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts of the country.
In this post on the Sepehran blog, we introduce you to the best museums in Tehran.
What you’ll read about the best museums in Tehran includes:
With an 80-year history, the Museum of Ancient Iran is one of the most important and popular museums in Tehran. This museum is among the best places to understand the history and ancient culture of Iran.
It comprises two sections: the Museum of the Islamic Era and the Museum of Ancient Iran.
Here, you can see ancient artifacts from various historical periods of Iran, ranging from the early presence of humans to the great ancient empires.
Visiting hours for the National Museum of Iran: In the first half of the year (from Farvardin to Shahrivar) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in the second half of the year (from Mehr to Esfand) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Website |
Phone number | address |
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| 02166702061 |
Tehran, Imam Khomeini Street, the beginning of 3 Tir, Professor Rollen St |
The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, inspired by the unique architecture of desert wind-catchers, is one of the most exceptional museums you will visit in Tehran. An artistic blend of traditional and modern architectural elements makes this museum one of the must-see places in Tehran.
So, the museum was built by order of Farah Pahlavi in the Amirabad district of Tehran and houses over 4,000 artworks from Iranian and foreign artists. The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art proudly boasts nine galleries, six of which operate temporarily and host numerous national and international exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Visiting hours for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, and it’s closed on Tuesdays.
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Website |
Phone number | address |
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|
Tehran Museum of Contemporary ArtNational Museum of Iran |
02188989374 |
Tehran, Kargar Street, next to Laleh Park, Museum of Contemporary Arts |
Tehran Museum of Contemporary ArtNational Museum of Iran |
The Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Tehran is another specialized museum in Tehran focusing on the arts of pottery and glassmaking. Once the home of Qavam al-Saltaneh, Prime Minister under Ahmad Shah Qajar and during the Pahlavi rule, it is now recognized as one of Tehran’s most beautiful and unique historical sites.
The museum’s unique architecture, inspired by the columns of Persepolis, combined with a valuable collection of ceramic items, some dating back to millennia before Christ, makes it one of Tehran’s most distinctive sites. Among the various attractive parts of this museum, the showcases inspired by the columns of Persepolis stand out. Therefore, for those interested in art and history, visiting the Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Tehran will be an unforgettable experience.
Visiting hours for the Glassware Museum: Daily from 9:00 to 19:00 in the first half of the year and 8:00 to 17:00 in the second half.
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fee |
Phone number | address |
location |
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5000 tomans |
02166708153 | Tehran, Jomhori St., Si Tir St | Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Tehran |
Visiting expansive and large museums can be a highly educational and captivating experience, especially when they revolve around crucial historical and cultural themes like the Sacred Defense. The Sacred Defense Garden Museum, covering 205 hectares, is one of the largest museums in the country and Tehran. This museum provides a different perspective on the Sacred Defense era.
By showcasing various aspects of the war through activities like a shooting simulation hall, zip-lining, the Hor al-Azim lake, and water displays, the museum allows visitors to encounter new experiences and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in Iran’s history.
The Tehran Martyrs Museum is another institution, not only as a memorial to the invaluable martyrs of the Islamic Revolution and the imposed war but also as a national memory and contemporary history of Iran.
This museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying personal belongings, memoirs, wills, and other items related to our martyrs. Visiting this place can provide us with a deeper understanding of the lives, sacrifices, and values of our martyrs and instill in us a sense of worth, respect, and pride.
Visiting hours for the Sacred Defense Museum: Every day except Fridays from 9:00 to 21:00.
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fee |
Phone number | address |
location |
| 6000 tomans | 02188657026 | Tehran, Modares Highway, Haqqani Highway | Sacred Defense Museum |
The Carpet Museum of Iran is one of the best museums in Tehran, invaluable for those interested in Iranian art and culture. This museum serves as a live exhibition of art spanning centuries, showcasing the art of carpet weaving which has historically been a point of pride and strength for Iranian artists and artisans. The museum’s collection comprises pieces from the 10th Islamic century to the contemporary era.
Many of these carpets have been acquired from historical sites such as Golestan Palace and Sa’adabad Palace, domestic markets, and even international markets. Each of these carpets has its own story, representing the history, culture, lifestyle, and art of its time. Visiting this museum provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and allure of Iranian carpet weaving and discover its rich, millennia-old history.
Tehran Carpet Museum Visiting Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 5000 tomans | 0218897903 | North side of Laleh Park, Fatemi St | Carpet Museum of Iran |
The Reza Abbasi Museum is one of the lesser-known museums in Tehran but holds immense value.So, the museum is named after Reza Abbasi, a prominent Iranian painter from the Safavid era, and with pieces collected from the second millennium BCE to the Qajar period, it’s one of the best places to acquaint oneself with Iranian history and culture.
The museum houses over 50,000 art and ancient artifacts representing different facets of Iran’s past. These pieces are displayed in various halls, including temporary exhibition halls, calligraphy hall, painting hall, Islamic arts hall, and the pre-Islamic period hall.
The Reza Abbasi Museum represents of ancient Iran. Stepping into this museum is like embarking on a journey through time, getting acquainted with various aspects of Iranian history and art. Although lesser-known, this uniqueness could make it one of the top museums in Tehran.
Reza Abbasi Museum Visiting Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in spring and summer, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in autumn and winter.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 5000 tomans | 02188513002 | Shariati Street, not reaching Seyed Khandan Bridge | Reza Abbasi Museum |
Located in the Zafaraniyeh neighborhood of Tehran, the Time Museum is also among the best museums in Tehran, showcasing a unique collection of various clocks and their evolutionary journey. Known as the first clock museum in Iran, it is situated in the historic house of Hossein Khodadad, a renowned merchant from the Qajar era.
Visiting this museum offers a unique opportunity to travel through time and experience the history and evolutionary journey of clocks from their inception to today. From mechanical clocks to pendulum and hourglass timers, everything you want to know about clocks and time is accessible in this museum. In addition to this, the traditional and captivating architecture of the historic house hosting the museum, with its beautiful carvings on doors and walls, as well as delicate plasterwork on window and door frames, is also one of the attractions.
Time Museum Visiting Hours: Open daily except official holidays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Virtual tour of the Time Museum.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 6000 tomans | 02122417336 | Vali Asr St., Zafaranieh St, corner of Porzin Crossroads | Time Museum in Tehran |
The Tehran Money Museum is one of the most unique and captivating museums in Tehran, showcasing valuable historical artifacts and coins for visitors. This specialized and permanent museum displays banknotes, coins, and securities from Iran, offering visitors an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the evolutionary journey of money and coins in Iran from ancient times to the present day.
Visiting the Money Museum is worth the entrance fee because it provides a unique learning experience for you. This opportunity to learn about the history of banknotes and coins, their design and background, and how this money has impacted Iran’s economy and history is an invaluable and educational experience.
Visiting hours for the Money Museum: Daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except on official holidays.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 6000 tomans | 02188774745 | 4 km Tehran-Karaj, Sabz Eram complex | Money Museum |
The National Bank Museum of Iran is one of Tehran’s most renowned museums, located in the historical building of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The museum houses a collection of artworks, coins, documents, and paper money, some of which date back to various historical periods of Iran, such as the Achaemenid and Qajar eras. In this museum, you can view over 10,000 coins, 7,000 documents and banknotes, and 1,400 pieces of art.
📌 How to get there: If you’re using the metro, take Line 1 (Tehran – Karaj) and get off at the Si Tir station. From there, a short walk will take you to the museum. If you’re using a taxi, tell the driver to take you to the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran building.
Visiting hours for the National Bank Museum: Open to the public from Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Fridays and official holidays.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| free | 02160994073 | Imam Khomeini Square, Ferdowsi St., opposite the German Embassy, Melli Bank Museum | Money Museum |
The Tehran Music Museum is one of Iran’s prominent cultural and artistic centers, dedicated to preserving and promoting Iranian music.
Listed among the most attractive museums in Tehran, it offers a world filled with beauty for music enthusiasts. This art center, aiming to preserve and support Iran’s national music heritage and honor the works and achievements of musicians, operates in a 3-story building spanning 3,650 square meters.
📌 How to get there: To access the Tehran Music Museum, use Metro Line 4 ( Ekbatan route) and get off at Shahid Beheshti station. From this point, you can either take a taxi or walk (about 15 minutes) to the museum. If you’re traveling by car, you can head from Hosseiniyeh Ershad Street to the Organization of Planning and Budget alley.
Visiting hours for the Music Museum: Only from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 6000 tomans | 02122231708 | Tehran, Shahid Darbandi St., Se Rah Takhti, Namazi Alley | Tehran Music Museum |
The Cinema Museum is one of the most prominent recreational and educational places in Tehran, located in the historical Ferdows Garden. The museum began its operations in 1997 and, over the years, has served as a venue for showcasing and preserving the history of cinema and digital arts in Iran. In this museum, you can observe a collection of historical documents and photographs, film posters, art pieces, and old cinematic equipment.
📌 How to get to the Cinema Museum:
Take line one of Tehran’s metro, then get off at the Tajrish station. After a short walk, you will arrive at Ferdows Garden and the Cinema Museum.
| Website | phone number | address | location |
| Cinema Museum of Iran | 02122705005 | Tehran, Shahid Darbandi St., Se Rah Takhti, Namazi Alley | Cinema Museum of Iran |
The Tehran Electricity Industry Museum is one of the unique and attractive sights of Tehran. In this museum, visitors can witness the evolution and development of the electricity industry over the decades. The museum, with its extensive display of electrical equipment from old to present – including kerosene lamps, fluorescent bulbs, early generators, and even today’s advanced wind and solar generators – has become an educational platform for the public.
📌 How to get to the Ebrat Museum:
You can take the Tehran metro to Imam Khomeini station and then walk a short distance to reach the museum.
Visiting hours for the Ebrat Museum: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
| Website | phone number | address | location |
| Iran Ebrat Museum | 02166722096 | Imam Khomeini Square, Shahid Yarjani St | Iran Ebrat Museum |
13) Tehran Electric Industry Museum
The Tehran Electric Industry Museum is one of the unique and captivating places in Tehran. In this museum, visitors can witness the evolution and expansion of the electricity industry over decades. The museum, showcasing a wide range of electrical equipment from ancient times to the present – including kerosene lamps, fluorescent bulbs, primitive generators, and even the advanced wind and solar generators of today – has transformed into a learning ground for the public.
📌 How to get to the Electric Industry Museum:
From Shahda metro station, head towards Piroozi.
Visiting hours for the Electric Industry Museum: Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm (The museum is closed on holidays).
| Photos | phone number | address | location |
| Iranian Electrical Industry Museum | 02133349040 | Shahada Square-Pirozi Street-Shahid Afrooz Street | Iranian Electrical Industry Museum |
The historic cars of Tehran are among the most fascinating and eye-catching aspects that everyone is interested in visiting, attracting numerous visitors. In this incredible location, there are cars, horse-drawn carriages, and motorcycles for viewing. It is essential to note that some of the cars stored in this museum are among the rarest and most valuable cars in the world, and visiting them and being around them excites every viewer.
📌 How to get there:
Take the metro at Sadeghieh station on line 5, get off at Chitgar station and from there take the city bus to the university towns. Alight at Bank Sepah station opposite the metro entrance.
Visiting hours for the car museum: Every day except Saturdays and official holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Visit the Museum of historical cars of Iran.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 40000 tomans | 02144537763 | Shahada Square-Pirozi Street-Shahid Afrooz Street | Museum of historical cars of Iran |
Tehran’s museum gardens are a unique combination of culture, history, nature, and art in Iran. These places, originally old and historic gardens, have been transformed into museums, providing an unparalleled space to familiarize oneself with Iranian history and culture. Museum gardens are also venues for holding artistic ceremonies, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings.
Among the museums of Tehran, Qasr Garden Museum was originally a palace built by the order of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. However, shortly after, with Reza Khan’s ascendancy, it was taken over by the government and its military use was turned into Ghasr prison. This three-story prison has various sections. Some parts of the Ghasr Museum include Markov Museum, political prison, the chapel, Farokhi Yazdi Hall, and the Persian garden.
| Website | phone number | address | location |
| Qasr Garden Museum | 02188437393 | Tehran, Motahari Street, Police Square |
Located in the pristine nature of Lavasan, it’s one of the special and lovely attractions opened by Master Naser Hosseini. The construction of this monument took six years, finally opened in 1384. What you will see in this garden are dozens and hundreds of artistic works created by the Master. This museum garden has various sections including a sculpture workshop, handicraft workshop, Bastami house, museum gallery, and cave space.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 20000 tomans | 02126556604 | Imam Khomeini Boulevard, Lavasanat, Tehran | Vaziri Cave Museum |
Negarestan Museum Garden or Masoudieh Palace, established during the Qajar era, with its attractive architecture, is one of the best sights in Tehran. This mansion has various sections, including a cafe, restaurant, library, green space, and other valuable parts. You can spend hours away from the hustle and bustle and pollution of Tehran city in this garden. Over time, significant events, including the wedding of Naser al-Din Shah, took place in this garden. Moreover, great masters like Malek o Sho’ara Bahar, Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, Badi’ al-Zaman Forouzanfar, Saeid Nafisi, and others have taught and studied here.
| Time of visit | phone number | address | location |
| 10 to 20 | 02133992012 | Tehran, Mellat St., Ekbatan Intersection |
Masoudieh Palace |
This beautiful garden, an area of approximately one hectare, is located on Elahieh Boulevard in Tehran and is one of Iran’s prominent attractions. The building belonged to Mrs. Touran Mahajer Islami, which after the revolution was confiscated and handed over to the Cinema House. In 2005, the place was opened to the public as the Garden Museum, featuring sections such as exhibitions, art workshops, green spaces, and a garden.
In this garden museum, you can observe masterpieces of Iranian architecture. Exquisite replicas of Iran, constructed as scale models, are displayed. Notable examples include the Chehel Sotoun Mansion, Shams Al-Amara, Si-o-Seh Pol (33 Arch Bridge), Fin Garden in Kashan, Naqsh-e Rostam, Azadi Tower, Milad Tower, Hasht Behesht, and more.
| Website | phone number | address | location |
| The garden of the Iranian Art Museum | 02122686063 | Tajrish Square, Dr. Hasabi Street |
The historical palaces of Tehran constitute a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage, with many having been converted into museums. These museums allow us to glimpse into Iran’s past and become more familiar with the history and culture of the country. Some of the most renowned palace museums include: Golestan Palace, Niavaran Palace, and Saadabad Palace. In addition to showcasing Iranian history, these palaces display collections of artworks, expensive furniture, royal garments, and other historical artifacts. Furthermore, due to their beautiful gardens, these places are very attractive for visitors.
This captivating complex is the only UNESCO World Heritage site located on 15th Khordad Street in Tehran. The Golestan Complex, with its history spanning over 440 years, is one of Iran’s historical sites. This complex, which was the residential palace of Qajar kings like Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, Fath-Ali Shah, Mohammad Shah, Nasser al-Din Shah, Mohammad Ali Shah, Mozaffar ad-Din Shah, and Ahmad Shah Qajar.
It’s an excellent place to stroll and familiarize oneself with different parts of the palace and photography.
Some of the structures in the palace complex include: Shams Al-Amara Palace, Marble Throne Veranda, Karim Khani solitude, Salam Hall, Main Hall, Ivory Hall, Mirror Hall, Ceramics Hall, Windcatcher Mansion, Photography House, and Anthropology Museum.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 5000 toman | 02133113335 | Tehran, Khordad St. 15 |
* The cost of visiting different parts of Golestan historical complex is different.
The historical and cultural complex of Niavaran is located in the northeast of Tehran and was the last residence of the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran. This palace consists of several parts, each having its own unique beauty and historical significance. Some of these buildings include the main building of Niavaran Palace (Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s palace), National Car Museum, the small Pearl building (now the Carpet Museum), the private car museum, a private library, the Inscription Garden, and the World Exhibition Museum among others.
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 5000 toman | 02122282020 | Tehran, District 1, Bahnar St | Niavaran Palace |
* The cost of visiting different parts of Golestan historical complex is different.
The Sa’dabad Complex (Sa’dabad Palace) with its captivating historical atmosphere has many admirers. Located in northern Tehran, this complex, with a blend of mountain forests, river, beautiful gardens, and various buildings, has turned into one of the most attractive tourist spots in Tehran.
The Sa’dabad Palace was initially built during the Qajar era but was expanded into a complex with 18 palaces during the Pahlavi era, each having its unique beauty and historical significance. During the Pahlavi dynasty, this complex was used as the summer residence of the Pahlavi monarchs.
The Sa’dabad Palace Complex consists of various buildings, some of which are the White Palace (a museum in memory of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi), the Green Palace (Ceramics and Pottery Museum), the Malek Palace (Cultural Heritage Museum), and the Shams Palace (Iranian Music Museum).
| fee | phone number | address | location |
| 5000 toman | 02122752031 | Tajrish, District 1 Saad Abad Palace | Sa’dabad Complex |
* The cost of visiting different parts of Golestan historical complex is different.
A unique and attractive experience for nostalgia lovers is the use of old houses as museum cafes. These museum cafes give their guests a serene and old-worldly ambiance, transporting them to a different era.
In the section of the best museum cafes, we take you to see the most beautiful old buildings of Tehran.
This cafe is located in a 100-year-old building with Pahlavi era architecture on Palestine Street in Tehran. Modern tools and decorations are minimally used in this cafe.
It features a spacious and green courtyard, at the center of which stands a minimalist square pond reminiscent of the Pahlavi era. Although its walls and mirror work have been renovated, they still maintain their original appearance. Antique equipment and traditional furniture inside the cafe evoke a sense of the past. Over time, this venue has transformed from a prime minister’s office, a university professor’s home, a school, and ultimately into a cafe.
| phone number | address | location |
| 09100775588 | Tehran, Palestine St., Bozorgmehr St |
Located in a Qajar-era mansion, emarat Masoudieh is situated near Baharestan Square. This cafe features a garden-like atmosphere and has a spacious courtyard with a large pond. One of the buildings within the premises houses a cozy, traditional cafe with Qajar decorations, making it uniquely distinct.
The menu of this cafe includes traditional foods and delicious drinks. To visit emarat Masoudieh, you need to purchase a ticket.
| phone number | address | location |
| 02133992013 | Ekbatan Intersection, Republic Street, Tehran |
Located on Vila Street, this cafe has both indoor and outdoor sections. The interior is arranged in an old-fashioned style (reminiscent of the 1950s to 1960s in the Persian solar calendar) transporting you to the old world, while the outdoor area, with the sound of trickling water and a central courtyard pond, evokes memories of grandparents’ homes.
One of the most popular items on Cafe Tehran’s menu is its syrup and distilled beverages.
| phone number | address | location |
| 02166737146 | Tehran, Vila street, corner of Mehrani alley |
Loghanteh Café is one of the most famous and historical cafes in Tehran. Established in 1906 on Bab Homayoun Street, this cafe quickly became a favorite spot for foreign students and culture enthusiasts. Over the years, it has been recognized as a prestigious hub for cultural and artistic discussions.
Moreover, Loghanteh Café has managed to combine its traditional architecture and beautiful ambiance with delicious food offerings and a diverse menu. Visitors can enjoy local Iranian dishes or international cuisine here, accompanied by their choice of delightful coffee or tea.
With its long history and captivating architecture, Loghanteh Café has transformed into a cultural and tourist attraction in the city of Tehran. This allows people to enjoy a historical and cultural experience during their visit.
| phone number | address | location |
| 02188442299 | Tehran, Motehari Street, toward Shariati Street, near the Museum of Sa’dabad Palace |
Famouri House is recognized as a historical residence dating back to the Qajar period. This place, while preserving its architectural authenticity and historical charm, is known as a café-restaurant with a beautiful ambiance.
The small kitchen of Famouri House consistently prepares and serves a variety of Iranian dishes, offering guests the opportunity to choose from different food options. Additionally, popular beverages like tea and coffee are also served at this café to provide a blend of historical and contemporary experiences for visitors.
Famouri House, through its integration of history and culture with a modern environment and diverse menu, has become a popular destination for culture and tourism enthusiasts in Tehran.
| phone number | address | location |
| 02166701428 | Tehran, between Hafez Street and Valiasr Street, Gashtasb Street |
Yes, there are museums specifically designed for children, both in Iran and around the world, that are attractive due to their design and content. Below, a few examples of museums suitable for children in Iran and abroad are introduced:
The Museum of History, established by the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, is an innovative and engaging museum focused on teaching history to children. Located in Shohada Square at the beginning of Valiasr Street, this museum provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn about Iranian history through creative methods.
The museum building boasts beautiful traditional architecture and covers an area of 600 square meters, allowing for a cultural and educational experience for children. One of the notable features of this museum is its use of diverse methods such as photos, videos, sculptures, paintings, and guided tours to acquaint children with the history of our country.
This creative approach clearly enables children to get closer to learning history through engaging methods. In reality, this museum is a suitable educational and entertaining place for families and children, offering beautiful educational experiences that help them understand their country’s history and make the most of Iran’s rich history.
The Iran Wildlife and Nature Museum in Tehran, Iran, is recognized as one of the fascinating and educational museums dedicated to nature and wildlife. Managed by Darabad Mashhad, this museum offers a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to become acquainted with the diversity of wildlife and the environment. Some of the notable features of this museum include:
The Iran Dolls and Culture Museum appears to be a highly captivating and unique place for getting acquainted with the culture and history of Iran through the use of dolls and a diverse collection of cultural objects. This museum is more than just a showcase of dolls; it allows visitors to delve deeper into the diverse history and culture of Iran through stories and specialized exhibitions.
Exhibitions of national dolls and traditional costumes from various regions of Iran can provide visitors with a glimpse of the cultural diversity and the different peoples of Iran. Moreover, the focus on stories and storytelling seems to be an engaging educational approach to elucidating cultural concepts and aiding in increasing the knowledge and understanding of children and adolescents about the history and culture of Iran.
