Tehran Moghadam Museum: Beyond A Simple Exhibition 

Moghadam Museum in Tehran is one of the stunning monuments left from the Qajar period, which originally belonged to one of the courtiers of the time known as Mohammad Taghi Khan-e Ehtesab Al-Molk. Moghadam Museum is historically precious due to its astonishing architecture and the rare, exquisite objects it exhibits. That is why Moghadam Museum is considered one of the most beautiful Tehran attractions, which is fundamentally visited by most Tehran tours as a well-known historical mansion. Moghadam house is a symbol of noble Iranian architecture that offers a small Iranian garden as well.
Like some other Tehran museums, such as Golestan Palace and Niavaran Palace, Moghadam Museum is basically a historical monument at the heart of a modern city like Tehran. Moghadam Museum in Tehran is a perfect instance of traditional Iranian architecture, which reflects Iranian culture meanwhile. Walking through its corridors and garden paths, you will hear the story of the past residents of the house, their merry sounds of laughter, and whispers. Moreover, like other Iran museums, the house exhibits very precious objects, echoing Persian culture and history. If you are interested in having entertainment in Tehran, Moghadam Museum will be a perfect choice to visit then. The only things you will need are desirous eyes and a Tehran travel guide!

The History of Moghadam Museum:

Ehtesab Al-Molk had two sons, Hassan and Mohsen, who went to Europe to study. Hassan got involved in literary, political, and social activities, and he died at a very young age; however, he had written a famous play called “Jafar Khan returns from Farang.” His younger brother, Mohsen, came back to Iran after being graduated in painting, art history, and archeology. He settled in his father’s house with his wife “Solma.” Solma Kuyumjian was born in Bulgaria, and she was the head of the National Museum of Iran. Solma and her husband have collected numerous historical objects and works along with their scientific activities. Mohsen Moghadam has collected many valuable crafts, such as magnificent tiles, carved stone pieces, etc. In other words, he has decorated his house with these objects for it to look like a traditional historical mansion. He tried to gather historical cloth, pottery, glass, paintings, coins, and old documents in proper order.

In 1972, the real founder of Moghadam Museum, Mohsen Moghadam, dedicated his house to the University of Tehran. He was one of the co-founders of the faculty of Fine Art at the University of Tehran, in which he was an excellent professor. He designed the University of Tehran’s logo by using ancient Iranian historical and cultural elements. The logo still stands on the campus. Professor Moghadam is the first Iranian who received the Legion of Honor from Charles de Gaulle. Mohsen Moghadam died in 1987. When his wife died in 1990, subsequently, the University of Tehran inherited the Moghadam Museum. Since December 10, 2000, the Moghadam Museum in Tehran has been registered as one of Iran’s national monuments.

Professor Moghadam designed the yard by using the Persian rugs’ traditional patterns. He built a fascinating pond and fountain in the middle, with flowers arranged on four sides. He had a glance at other countries’ architecture and culture as well.

Moghadam Museum Architecture:

A prominent feature of this museum is its relative homogeneity of the architectural features and the historical ambiance. Moghadam Museum is composed of various sections, including three courtyards and a few exterior and interior yards. The first thing that will catch your eyes is a pond and candlesticks. The use of bright and cheerful colors, such as purple, yellow, and light blue, has added to the enchantment of the building. Similarly, the garden flowers with a decent design are providing a truly pleasant and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.
There is a stunning building on the west side of the Moghadam Museum. The building was built by professor Moghadam himself and one of his students, Dr. Abolqasemi, in 1966. There are a porch with several arches above and a few magnificent pillars on the front side. In the middle of the porch, you will find a marble basin, which was brought from the Fath-Ali shah bathroom. Professor Moghadam designed this basin after traveling to Spain and visiting the pool and fountain of the Alhambra Garden. The colorful tile-working of the building has added a wonderful blaze to the sight. The exterior and interior yards are also separated by a wall called the Tajadod wall. This wall is also decorated by several pillars, reminding you of those of Isfahan Chehelsotoun Palace.

The next part of the Moghadam Museum is the beautiful interior yard. Professor Moghadam and his wife designed this yard by using the Persian rugs’ traditional patterns. They built a fascinating pond and fountain in the middle, with flowers arranged on four sides. They had a glance at other countries’ architecture and culture as well. For example, Dr. Moghadam built a beautiful Japanese garden in the exterior yard that is truly eye-catching.
No doubt, Moghadam Museum is one of the most beautiful and celebrated mansions in Tehran. The combination of Iranian and foreign architecture offers a quite breathtaking sight. Most importantly, its exquisite and precious objects are worth visiting. So do not forget a short visit to the Moghadam Museum while being in Tehran.

Moghadam Museum Address: No. 251, next to Mellat Bank, Imam Khomeini Str. Tehran. (Best access: Hassan Abad metro station)

Moghadam Museum opening hours: everyday (except Mondays) from 9:00 to 17:00