The Marble Palace: Iran’s Stunning Royal Heritage and Historic Gem

Nestled in downtown Tehran, the Marble Palace (Marmar in Farsi) is a testament to Iran’s royal grandeur and architectural mastery. Constructed on the orders of Reza Shah, it served as a residence for him, his fourth wife Esmat Dowlatshahi, and their five children until Reza Shah’s exile in 1941. Later, his son Mohammad Reza Shah hosted significant royal events here, including his 1939 wedding to Princess Fawzia, marking the palace as a central stage of Iran’s modern monarchy.

Designed by Hossein Lorzadeh with tile-work by Ostad Yazdi, and contributions from Mohammad Hossein Sani’ Khatam and Hossein Taherzadeh, the palace combines elegance with eclectic architectural styles. Its white marble exterior is dominated by a stone entrance flanked by statues of Achaemenid soldiers holding arrows, while the interiors boast high ceilings, intricately carved doors, and rich fabrics and rugs. A highlight is the Hall of Mirrors, inspired by the ornate mirrored rooms of mosques and holy shrines, reflecting opulence and grandeur.

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the palace briefly functioned as a museum and was later handed to the Expediency Council, with its historical furnishings moved to Tehran’s Decorative Arts Museum. This year, the Mostazafan Foundation of the Islamic Revolution reclaimed the palace, announcing plans to restore it as a museum once again, ensuring that this iconic piece of Iran’s royal heritage remains accessible to the public.

The Marble Palace stands not only as a symbol of royal elegance but also as a bridge between Iran’s rich historical legacy and modern cultural preservation.