Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Iran to explore its ancient history and culture. And of course, the best way to plunge into the ancient history of any country is to visit its local museums which carefully keep all the treasures. So, today we’re going to tell you about the most interesting and well-known museums of Tehran, which are undoubtedly worth visiting during the trip:

Museums in Tehran: Treasury of National Jewels

The Treasury of National Jewels is a place where the most famous treasures from Iran and all over the world are kept. You will have the opportunity to see the famous diamond Darius-inur (the name translates as the Ocean of light, 182 carats), Taghte – Tavus (Tavus throne) decorated with 26,733 gems, shahs jewelry, unique gems and much more. Here is kept the famous ruby Samer (500 carat), the largest ruby in the world.

The most exciting and unique treasure of the museum is a huge globe that is covered with 51,366 colored stones; each continent is encrusted with different stones, the stand is made of a pure gold, and boundless ice of Antarctica and the Arctic are decorated with pearls.

The collection of gems and jewelry is unique; each object has its own history and, of course, is priceless.

Address	Tehran, Ferdowsi ave, the Central Bank building
Phone	(0098-21) 6446-3785
Working hours	14-16:30; from Saturday to Tuesday.

Museums in Tehran: Archeological Museum (Museum of Ancient Iran)

The best way to get acquainted with the history of the country is to visit the Archaeological Museum. The museum contains exhibits dating from the 6th BC. The exhibits made of bone and stone perfectly reflect the level of the development of civilization. The most valuable are the frescoes, ceramics and metalwork, paintings and rare coins. The most valuable showpieces were exhibited in the Louvre and the British National Gallery.

The museum exponents are exhibited in chronological order and collected in the separate collections by dynasties. On the first floor, there are exhibited the most ancient pieces. On the second floor, there are exhibits from the Islamic period. From the exhibited ceramics and pottery, jewelry, marble altars, the decorated copies of the Koran, it is possible to imagine the rich culture of the ancient civilization. On the third floor, there are jewelries of pre-Islamic dynasties and civilizations: the gold and silver pieces, the bowl of Xerxes, silver plates and other items of Islamic and pre-Islamic periods.

The Archaeological Museum is the largest in Tehran, the building itself deserves special attention as it is a perfect example of Iranian architecture.

Address

Tehran, Imam Khomeini ave, Tir 30 sq

Phone

(0098-21) 878-8680

Museums in Tehran: Museum of Carpets

Carpet weaving in Iran is an inherent and important part of Iranian art. Iranian carpets with national patterns are popular throughout the world and considered one of the most expensive carpets. In addition, today the Iranian carpet is considered to be the main product for export.

Museum of carpets attracts at a first glance: museum facade is designed as a huge loom. The museum features a restored ancient carpets and products from all over the country with distinctive patterns. The museum has more than a hundred unique carpets which have no analogues in the world.

The museum also exhibits all the tools that were used in carpet weaving: natural coloring products that have been used for dyeing fibers – silk, cotton, camel and sheep wool, as well as scissors and hooks.

Address	Tehran, Kargar Shomali ave, Dr. Feytmi intersection.
Phone	(0098-21) 652093; (0098-21) 657707;
Working hours	9-12; 14-17;

Museums in Tehran: Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace can definitely be considered one of the most popular attractions of Tehran. Golestan (Palace of roses), was built in the 15th century and until the 19th century was reconstructed. Classy complex is located behind the walls of the fortress and is divided into 7 parts: Diamond Hall, Anthropology Hall, Aks – Khane (museum of Photography), Negar – Khane (Art Gallery), Howz – Khane (Portrait Gallery), Marble Throne Hall and Shams -ol-Emaneh pavilion.

The most elegant and impressive part of the palace is Hall of Shams-ol-Emaneh with two towers and a swimming pool. Monuments and artifacts presented in each room as well as the palace itself are unique.