Saed News: The historical houses of Tehran, with their traditional architecture and unique decorations such as tilework, mirrorwork, stucco, and turquoise-colored pools, are among the most important tourist attractions of the capital. These houses mostly belonged to members of the upper class of society.
Saed News: The historical houses of Tehran, with their traditional architecture and distinctive decorations such as tilework, mirrorwork, stucco, and turquoise pools, are considered among the most important tourist attractions in the capital. These houses mostly belonged to individuals from the upper class of society. Join us as we explore Tehran’s historic houses.
According to the Family Magazine Service of Saed News, the houses that once boasted magnificent Qajar-era architecture with intricate stucco work and ornate decorations have now been turned into museums, welcoming tourists and art enthusiasts. In addition, garden-museums offer a beautiful combination of museum structures nestled within traditional Persian gardens. These mansions, built in Persian gardens, often belonged to notable figures of Iran’s past and have been transformed into museums over time. In this section of the article on tourist attractions in Tehran, we will introduce you to some of the historical sights of the city.
Negarestan Garden-Museum, modeled after traditional Persian gardens, is one of the most charming garden-museums and places to visit in Tehran during spring. The sound of water fountains, the greenery of the grass, and the colorful flowers create a captivating atmosphere. Autumn and winter also lend their own unique beauty to this garden with multicolored leaves and snowy landscapes.
This building was originally the summer residence of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar and was later converted into a museum. In the two halls of the museum, you can see:
The Kamal-ol-Molk School Collection
The Malek ol-Shoara Bahar Collection
Miniature anthropology sculptures by Master Jahangir Arjomand
Miniatures and leather marquetry by Master Ali Asfarjani
The Tile Room of the Garden
The Fath-Ali Shah Qajar’s Royal Court
Address: Baharestan Square, Daneshsara Street, Shari'atmadar Rafi'i Street, Tehran
Ferdows Garden, now home to the Cinema Museum, was built on the order of Mohammad Shah Qajar. Although it was intended to be a royal residence in the pleasant climate of Tajrish, the king passed away before it was completed. Like other Persian gardens, it features a central mansion and water channels with fountains running throughout. Today, it's a popular hangout for young people and families and a top attraction in Tehran.
Address: Valiasr Street, before Tajrish Square, Bakhshayesh Alley, Ferdows Garden, Tehran
A few streets away from Ferdows Garden, this garden offers a collection of miniatures representing famous Iranian landmarks—from Azadi Tower and Milad Tower to Si-o-se-pol and Shams-ol-Emareh, and the Dome of Soltaniyeh. These models were originally built for the 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire.
You can enjoy traditional drinks in the garden café and browse handicrafts in the charming exhibition and shop at the entrance.
Address: Dr. Hesabi Street, Shahid Darbandi Street, Tajrish Square, Tehran
Qasr Garden-Museum, like the Ebrat Museum, is one of Tehran's "dark tourism" spots. Formerly a prison, it's interesting to note that the first inmate was the same person who helped build it—Sartip Dargahi, who was imprisoned two days after its inauguration by Reza Shah.
You can visit:
The Markov Building
Political Ward
History Ward
Documents Ward
Pahlavi II Ward
Detention Center of the Pahlavi Era
Address: End of Shahid Motahhari Street, Shuhada-ye-Naja Street, Police Square, Tehran
A 250,000 square meter museum awaits, recounting the full story of the 8-year Iran-Iraq war. It's best visited on a pleasant spring day.
The first part is the Hall of Butterflies, showcasing realistic statues of fallen commanders. Other halls—Threshold, Wonder, and Reality—depict key events from the Islamic Revolution to the war’s end.
The outdoor area also features many attractions that can be explored during a walk.
Address: Vanak Square, Shahid Haghani Highway, end of Sarv Street, opposite Taleghani Park, Tehran
This site lets you tour Iran in just 40 minutes. It showcases miniatures of major historical attractions like the Bisotun Inscription, Persepolis, and many more.
The garden spans about 3 hectares with tall trees and beautiful flowers. There's also a photo gallery featuring Tehran and Iran’s scenic highlights.
Address: Janbazan Street, between Imam Ali Highway and Kerman Street, beside Tamaddon Park, Tehran
Another place to see miniatures of Iranian landmarks, this garden originally belonged to the wife of a military commander under the Shah. After the Revolution, it became part of the House of Cinema. In 2005, the Iranian Art Garden-Museum officially opened here.
In addition to its scale models, the museum features a handicraft and carpet shop and a gallery of handmade artworks. The open-air monthly photo exhibition and traditional café also attract frequent visitors.
Address: Janbazan Street, between Imam Ali Highway and Kerman Street, beside Tamaddon Park, Tehran
Unlike other museums, this unique space resembles a cave and was created entirely by artist Naser Houshmand Vaziri using recycled materials. It’s one of Tehran’s lesser-known, privately funded attractions.
The museum opened in 2005 and new artworks were added over time until the artist’s passing in 2019. The exhibits mostly revolve around Shahnameh legends and Persian folklore.
Address: Lavasan, Imam Khomeini Blvd., Kand-e-Olya & Sofla Road, Bujan fork, left after Chal-e-Nazaran, No. 77
Originally a prison built in 1798 by order of Fath-Ali Shah, it was renovated under Reza Shah. Until the construction of Evin Prison, this was Tehran’s only centralized prison.
Today, it includes:
The Markov Museum
Political Wards
Iranian Garden (5,000 sq.m. with tall trees)
Most of the exhibits are politically themed, including rare books and prison-related artifacts.
Address: End of Shahid Motahhari Street, Shuhada-ye-Naja Street, Police Square, Tehran
One of the most beloved historical spots in Tehran, the Moghadam House was owned by a prominent Qajar family. Later, their son Mohsen Moghadam, a Tehran University archaeology professor, lived here with his Bulgarian wife, Selma Kouyoumjian.
Together, they collected valuable historical artifacts and turned their home into this museum.
Address: Imam Khomeini Street, after Sheikh Hadi Street, next to Bank Mellat, No. 251, Tehran
This beautiful mansion near Baharestan Square was built by order of Massoud Mirza, son of Naser al-Din Shah. It displays Qajar architecture with stunning orosi windows and stucco designs.
Masoudieh Mansion played a key role in modern Iranian history. It was a base for constitutionalists and also housed the early National Library, National Museum, and Ministry of Education.
Address: Baharestan Square, Ekbatan Street, Tehran
Literature lovers will enjoy this home-turned-museum. Little has changed in its layout and decoration, preserving its original charm.
It belonged to two of Iran’s most iconic literary figures: Simin Daneshvar and Jalal Al-e Ahmad. You can even find wax statues of the couple inside.
Address: Tajrish, Dezashib, Shahid Ramazani Street, Rahbari Alley, Pasandideh Alley, Arz Dead End, No. 1, Tehran
Close to Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Kazemi House—also called the Old Tehran House Museum—is a registered national heritage site.
If you enjoy old Qajar-style homes, this is a must-see.
Address: 15 Khordad Street, Abolqasem Shirazi Alley, Imamzadeh Yahya Alley, Tehran
Among Tehran’s sights is the first grand mosque and theological school, Sepahsalar, now also known as Shahid Motahari University. Built in the Qajar era, its architecture was inspired by Ottoman mosques, especially those in Istanbul.
The complex contains about 10,000 rare and lithograph-printed books, many of them priceless.
Address: Southeast corner of Baharestan Square, Baharestan Street, next to the old National Assembly building, Tehran
If you’ve read any Iranian history textbook, you’ve heard of Amir Kabir, the statesman who founded this school. Established in the Qajar era, Dar ul-Funun still stands near Tehran’s bazaar.
Address: Naser Khosrow Street, above South Saadi, Tehran
A surviving example of Qajar-era architecture, this caravanserai reflects the spirit of commerce and daily life from that period.
In 1978, it suffered severe fire damage but was later restored by Tehran Municipality. It’s now used both for trade (notably by nut vendors) and as a public museum.
Address: Molavi Crossroads, [Incomplete address]
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17- Ayn al-Dowleh Garden and Mansion, one of Tehran’s Attractions
The Ayn al-Dowleh Mansion is one of Tehran’s notable historical sites and a valuable national monument dating back to the Qajar era. This mansion is a historic place where Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt took photos and held negotiations on the veranda. This historic event, along with the building’s age and stunning architecture, are enough reasons to visit Ayn al-Dowleh.
Address: Tehran, Pasdaran, Heravi Square, Vafamanesh Street, Jamali Street, No. 17
18- Minayi House or Valiasr Street Museum
Minayi House is one of the sights in Tehran dating back to the era of Naser al-Din Shah. Many people know it as the Valiasr Street Museum. The old atmosphere of this house, right in the busy city center, takes you back to distant past times. The valuable architecture of the building, mirror work, the old pool, and the summer and winter rooms are among the highlights of this house.
Address: Tehran, Valiasr Street, above Moniriyeh Square, Muslim Karimi Tinat Alley, No. 5
19- Sultan Begum Mansion
The Sultan Begum Mansion is one of Tehran’s historic sights with a 150-year-old background dating back to the Qajar period. This mansion belonged to Lady Sultan Begum Shojaei, a close associate of Naser al-Din Shah, and has changed hands over the years. The unique architecture of the mansion and the elements used in the building are so remarkable that the mirror room and the library are among the most important and attractive libraries in the world.
Address: Tehran, Imam Khomeini Square, beginning of Amir Kabir Street, South Nazem al-Atba Street, Dashti Alley, Kamali Alley, Bazaar House Museum
