Iran echoes ancient civilizations – as some of the greatest names in the world have left their mark on Iran. Starting with Cyrus and Darius, Alexander the Great to Ghenghis Khan. Said to be one of the biggest Jewels in the world, Iran is so much more than another Islamic country. It has a great deal to offer which is neatly tucked in their local museums. To ensure you don’t miss out on the best, we have listed down the top 10 museums in Iran.

1- Iran National Museum, Tehran

iran-national-museum
Iran National Museum

The National Museum is divided into two complexes, one half consists of the Museum of Ancient Iran and the other half covers Islamic Archaeology and Art. Opened back in 1937 and 1972 the institution is one of the most spectacular monuments in the city.

2- Golestan Palace Museum, Tehran

Golestan Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran
Golestan Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran

A UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the Qajar Dynasty’s government seat. The museum showcases a fusion of Persian architecture with western influences. Here you will find mirrored walls and ceilings, towering wind catchers, grand halls, mosaic walls, and a history lesson like no other.

3- Sa’ad Abad Museum, Tehran

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Saad Abad Palace and Museum

One home to the former shahs of Iran, the museum covers a lush 100-hectare land. Located in northern Tehran among the highlights you will find the White Palace, the museum is one of the largest buildings constructed during the 1930s, the Green Palace that is covered in rare green stones from the Zanjan Province, and houses that come with 70  square meters rugs.

4- National Jewelry Treasury Museum, Tehran

National-Jewelry-Treasury-Museum
National Jewelry Treasury Museum

Located in Tehran the mind-blowing museum is home to some of the most exquisite pieces worn by the monarchs of Safavid, Pahlavi, and Qajar dynasties. These pieces at the museum can be examined in detail and will offer a refreshing experience to anyone interested in jewelry. The museum is filled with priceless gems, metals, and crowns that will have you coming back for more. However, the real show stopper is the stone-studded Peacock throne that will blow you away.

5- Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

Tehran-Museum-of-Contemporary-Art
Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

A modern museum that features a concrete building house that is filled with historic pieces from Western artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Pollack, Warhol, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Rothko, Bacon, Munch, and Miro. That is not all as it brings you essential collections from North American and Iranian artists as well. Leaving you stunned by works from Farideh Lashai, Sohrab Sepehri, and Parviz Tanavoli.

6- Holy Defence Museum, Tehran

holy-defense-museum
holy defense museum, Tehran

The Holy Defense museum is dedicated to the eight-year war with Iraq, during which approximately one million people lost their lives. The museum covers 21 hectares, and the site includes tanks, artillery, and rockets as well. Offering you a detailed view of how the eight years went by.

Read also: Must-See Tehran Museums You Should Not Miss

7- Astan Quds Razavi Central Museum, Mashhad

Founded in 1937 the museum is one of the most significant places in Iran, the museum has been visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists. Showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts and manuscripts that have been carefully preserved over the centuries. Along with handicrafts, art pieces, and antiques that are mostly donated by Imam Reza (AS) devotees.

8- Pars Museum, Shiraz

pars-museum-shiraz
Pars museum Shiraz

Located in Shiraz, Pars Museum was once home to royal guests during the Zand Dynasty. On the grounds, you will find the burial of the founder Karim Khan Zand. The place was converted into a museum in the 1930s, and consists of paintings, weaponry, and handwritten Qurans from the Zand-era. Do not let the building fool you, the second you step inside you will forget the outside world.

9- Water Museum, Yazd

Water-Museum-yazd
Water Museum Yazd

The museum is here to remind you that water is a luxury. We rarely think about the lengths that a major chunk of the world has to go through to get water. Visiting the Yazad Water museum will help bring stories to life, as you will get a view of what Iranians had to go through to start a flourishing life. The museum is filled with photos, equipment, and tools that will help understand the importance of water.

10- Isfahan Music Museum

music_museum_isfahan
music museum Isfahan

The Music museum depicts cultural and architectural achievements of musical craftsmanship in Iran. located in the Armenian quarter the museum celebrates Iran’s rich history associated with music. Deeply rooted over the centuries music thrives in every brick in Iran. a private museum that was founded by two local musicians. Today the museum holds more than 300 instruments from Iran, most of which visitors can play!

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