This Qajarid square was built by the order of Amir Kabir, the well-known minister of Naser al-din Shah. The place was the seat of the cannons and the artillery soldiers since the time of Fath-Ali Shah, hence the name ‘Toop-khaneh,’ (Tūp-Khaneh) means ‘artillery barracks’ in Persian. When the square was constructed, the cannons that Shah Abbas had taken as a trophy from the Portuguese in Hormoz Island, and also the cannon named Toop-e Morvarid (Pearl Cannon), dating to the time of Fath-Ali Shah, were transferred here. 

Back in the day, Toop-Khaneh square was the top spot for fireworks on national holidays, for protest...

Set in an attractive garden, Malek museum was founded by Haj Hossein Malek (1872-1972), an avid collector and a well-known merchant in Tehran. This privately established institution holds one of the largest and the first private collection of manuscripts in Iran, dedicated to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza. Originally located in the historical Malek house, the collection was transferred to its current site in the National Garden in 1996. The new building of the museum was also bequeathed by Haj Hossein Malek, though its construction was not carried out until after his death. This eight-floor building displays the evolution of I...

In addition to 5000 years of history marked by the invention of writing, Iran also has a quite long pre-history, holding enormous stories. Iran plays an important role in the development of Middle Eastern civilization, and it holds many objects representing the various traditions, cultures, and arts of what has come to be known as the ancient civilization. National museum of Iran  highlights the ancient items exploring the invention of tools in different eras and artistic and architectural developments which affected life in ancient Iran. 

The ancient Iran museum, founded in 1937, encompasses items from Paleolithic to the end of Sassanid era. If you visit only one m...

The unique collection of national jewels mirrors the grand history of Iran, reminding the visitor of the victories, failures, honors, and dishonors this great country has gone through. Wander through the glitter of these gems, representing Iranian art, culture, and opulence. The recorded history of the treasury of jewels began with the Safavid monarchs. However, a great amount of these jewels were scattered or stolen during later periods. For example, when Mahmud Afqan invaded the country and defeated the last Safavid king, Shah Sultan Hossein, a part of these jewels were sent to India. Then, Nader Shah Afshar tried to recollect the looted parts, but his assassination in 1747 put a...