Saed News: Every inch of this building exudes the essence of Iran, a masterpiece crafted by masters of traditional Iranian art. Stay tuned for videos and images showcasing the most beautiful tourist attraction in Iran, located in Tehran.
According to Saed News’ tourism section, Marble Palace is one of the most beautiful and valuable attractions in Tehran, located in the heart of the city. This historical monument, also known as the Museum of Iranian Art, dates back to the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Due to its unique architecture, it is often compared to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, serving as a testament to Iranian artistic heritage. The palace brings together various traditional Persian arts, including mirror work, marquetry, stucco decorations, and prominent paintings depicting landmarks like Veresk Bridge and Persepolis—an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
Throughout its existence, the Marble Palace has witnessed numerous historical events and remains one of the finest places to appreciate Iranian and Islamic art. The museum houses artifacts spanning from the 5th millennium BCE to contemporary times. Visitors can explore this artistic treasure by booking tickets in advance.
The palace is situated in central Tehran, on Valiasr Street, between Imam Khomeini Street and Jomhouri Street. It is located 1.4 km (16 minutes on foot) from Valiasr Square (Teatr-e Shahr Metro Station), 4.4 km (10 minutes by car) from Enghelab Square, and 8.4 km (18 minutes by car) from Azadi Square.
📍 Address: Valiasr Street, between Imam Khomeini and Jomhouri, Museum of Iranian Art
📞 Phone: 09339760689
Since the palace is located in Tehran’s traffic control zone, using public transportation is recommended.
Metro: Take Line 2 (Sadeghieh–Farhangsara) and get off at Imam Ali University Station. Walk 500 meters (7 minutes) north on Valiasr Street to find the palace on your left.
Taxi: From Rah Ahan Square, take a taxi to Valiasr Square and get off 200 meters after the Imam Khomeini-Valiasr intersection.
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): Take the Rah Ahan–Tajrish (Parkway) line, get off at Imam Khomeini Station, and walk 250 meters north on Valiasr Street to reach the palace.
Private Car: You can drive there by purchasing a Tehran traffic permit from the Tehran Man system.
The land and gardens where the Marble Palace stands originally belonged to Qajar princes, including the Farmanfarma family. The palace was commissioned by Reza Shah and designed by Leon Tadousian, serving as his office and winter residence. Some historians believe Reza Shah built this palace to showcase his power and reign to the world.
Reza Shah initially wanted the palace’s dome to be made of marble. However, after receiving a gold-plated dome resembling Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque from the people of Isfahan, he decided to adopt a similar architectural style for the palace. Construction began in 1925 and was completed in 1937.
During construction, the artisans struggled to achieve the cream-colored glaze for the dome’s tiles. This challenge was eventually solved by an elderly tile master named Izadi, who used gold-infused pigments to create the desired shade. Additionally, Master Taherzadeh Behzad was responsible for the palace’s intricate gilding and calligraphy.
Before the establishment of Iran’s National Treasury, the palace’s underground vault housed Iran’s crown jewels, transferred from Golestan Palace under Reza Shah’s orders. When Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ascended the throne in 1941, the Marble Palace became his official office, where he hosted meetings and diplomatic events.
Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani ordered restoration work on the palace, carried out by experts from Astan Quds Razavi.
In 2017, after Rafsanjani’s passing, the Expediency Council requested to move its headquarters from the palace to Iran’s old Parliament building.
In 2018, the palace was handed over to the Mostazafan Foundation, and in 2019, it reopened as the Museum of Iranian Art.
In January 2020, after 41 years, the palace welcomed foreign diplomats and journalists for a preview.
Public tours were planned for February 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the opening.
Finally, in March 2021, after the installation of 400 historical Iranian artifacts spanning 7,000 years, the palace reopened, with visitor access restored in September 2021.
Today, Marble Palace stands as a stunning testament to Iran’s artistic and historical legacy, offering a unique glimpse into Persian architecture, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
