10 top Iranian museums you absolutely must visit + photos

Pars Today - Iran, as the cradle of world history and civilization, has always been a focus for tourists and culture enthusiasts worldwide. In this regard, museums have played and continue to play a significant role in introducing Iran's culture and civilization. In this Pars Today article, we take a look at the 10 best museums in Iran, which you can read about:

Iran, the cradle of world history and civilization, has been a paradise for historians and history enthusiasts, a fact that has led to the creation of numerous museums across the country. More than 103 years have passed since the official establishment of the first museum in Iran, known as the National Museum.

1. The National Museum of Iran

The National Museum of Iran holds immense importance, both for its age and the artifacts it houses, making it the country's most significant museum. This museum is composed of two main sections: the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art. The Museum of Ancient Iran displays artifacts dating from one million to 12,000 years ago, with some items going back to the Paleolithic era.

2. Golestan Palace Museum

The Golestan Palace is Iran's most famous royal palace. Its widespread recognition stems from the fact that many Iranian monarchs used this complex as their center of rule. The palace's origins trace back to the Safavid era of Shah Abbas.

3. Sa'dabad Palace Museum

It's impossible to talk about the Golestan Palace Museum without mentioning Sa'dabad Palace as one of Iran's best museums. Sa'dabad Palace was originally a summer retreat for Qajar kings. When the first Pahlavi king came to power, many buildings were constructed around it, and during the second Pahlavi's reign, it was officially chosen as the royal residence.

4. The Treasury of National Jewels

Jewelry is one of those objects that captivates everyone. The combination of art, industry, and nature creates an alluring blend that few can resist. Interestingly, to this day, no experts or researchers have been able to estimate the true value of the Treasury of National Jewels’ collection. The most famous item in this fascinating treasury is the pink Darya-e Noor Diamond.

5. The Museum of Contemporary Art

Iran's most important art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 1977. This museum is said to be among the world's top collections in the field of modern art. You can view numerous works by famous international artists, including Picasso, Gauguin, and Renoir, at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

6. The Museum of Sacred Defense

The Museum of Sacred Defense houses every famous and significant element from the eight-year imposed war by Iraq against Iran. This museum consists of various sections; apart from the Hall of Butterflies, the remaining sections are mostly narrative. One of the interesting parts of the Museum of Sacred Defense is the recreation of areas of Khorramshahr, including the Grand Mosque.

7. Astan Quds Razavi Museum

The Astan Quds Razavi Museum, located in Mashhad adjacent to the shrine of Imam Reza (Peace be upon Him), is considered one of the best museums in Iran. The artifacts housed within the Astan Quds Razavi Museum hold an unparalleled position in Iranian culture, both in terms of their material and spiritual value. The collection of Astan Quds museums opened in 1945. Many of the museum's items are gifts donated by owners and collectors to the holy shrine of Imam Reza.

8. Pars Museum, Shiraz

The Pars Museum in Shiraz, built alongside the tomb of Karim Khan Zand, is one of Iran's oldest and most important museums. The museum's architecture, along with the valuable artifacts it houses, is particularly noteworthy. Its octagonal building, next to the Kolah Farangi mansion designed with authentic Iranian motifs, captivates every visitor's eye.

9. Yazd Water Museum

The provinces in Iran's central plateau have historically faced water scarcity, making water one of the most strategic natural resources, playing a significant role in power dynamics. The fair distribution of water and the artifacts related to water supply and irrigation systems had to be advanced enough to enable the rulers of desert cities to manage water effectively. Any information you'd like to know about how our ancestors dealt with and managed water is available at the Yazd Water Museum; a fascinating museum considered a valuable cultural heritage.

10. Isfahan Music Museum

One of Iran's best private museums is the Isfahan Music Museum, established in 2015. In this rare Iranian museum, over 300 musical instruments are on display, and visitors are shown how to use them and what they sound like.

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