About National Museum of Iran
The National Museum of Iran, recognized as the oldest and largest museum in the country, showcases humanity’s achievements across various historical periods. This museum is divided into two main sections: Ancient Iran and the Islamic Period. The building was designed by French architect André Godard, inspired by the Taq Kasra (Arch of Ctesiphon), and its construction was overseen by two renowned Iranian architects, Abbasali Mimar and Master Morad Tabrizi.
History of the National Museum of Iran
The National Museum of Iran was established by Morteza Khan Mo’tazadel-Mulk, the Minister of Education. He initially housed a collection of artifacts in the Dar ul-Funun School under the name National Museum.
The first museum in Iran was the National Museum, followed by the establishment of the Museum of Education. When this museum was relocated to its current location and dedicated to the ancient periods of Iran, its name was changed to the National Museum of Iran. After the construction of the Islamic Period Museum, the name of the entire complex was changed to the National Museum of Iran.
Exhibits of the National Museum of Iran
The museum’s collection is divided into two sections: the upper floor, which contains prehistoric artifacts, and the ground floor, which displays historical artifacts. It is worth noting that the periods before and after history are marked by the invention of writing.
On the upper floor, you can view some of the oldest artifacts from human history in Iran. These items date back to the Paleolithic era, including the Old, Middle, and New Stone Ages, and the collection concludes with the advent of early civilizations.
The ground floor begins with Elamite artifacts, marking the beginning of the historical period. It features displays from regions such as Jiroft, Sialk, Lorestan, and other areas from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Historical artifacts from the Achaemenid period are also on display, including items from the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods. The floor ends with unique Sassanian plasterwork and mosaic art.
Notable Artifacts in the National Museum of Iran
The Incomplete Statue of Darius
This statue, dating back to the Achaemenid period, represents the reign of Darius the Great over Egypt. The statue features inscriptions in Babylonian, Elamite, and other ancient scripts, which highlight the grandeur and influence of Darius the Great.
The Marlik Golden Cup
This cup is crafted from gold and features an intricate depiction of a tree with two winged bulls ascending from it. The cup dates back to the first millennium BC and is considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Iranian goldsmithing.
The Animated Pattern Cup
Regarded as the earliest known example of animation by Iranians, this cup displays an image of a goat in five different poses, designed in a way that suggests movement, making it a notable example of ancient animation art.
The Salt Man Mummy
This mummy, from the Sassanian period, remains remarkably preserved due to its exposure to salt, which helped to preserve much of the hair and skin. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries from the Chehrabad salt mine in Zanjan, offering valuable insights into Sassanian burial practices.
University of Tehran Logo
The University of Tehran’s logo was inspired by a Sassanian plasterwork. This plasterwork was discovered during visits to Sassanian period artifacts and has been used as a symbol of ancient Iranian art and culture in the university’s logo.
Large Parthian Noble Statue
This statue dates back to around 150 BC and is mentioned in various historical texts. It represents a significant figure from the Parthian period and holds considerable historical and cultural importance.
Guardian Bull Figurine
This figurine served as a guardian at the entrance of Chogha Zanbil. Roman Ghirshman and his wife reassembled the broken pieces of this bull and transferred it to Tehran. It is a prime example of Elamite art and architecture.
Address and Visiting Information
The National Museum of Iran is located on Imam Khomeini Street, at the beginning of Seyed Tir Street. It can be accessed via the metro stations Imam Khomeini or Hassanabad. The museum’s visiting hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM during the first six months of the year and from 9 AM to 5 PM during the remaining six months. The museum is closed on Tasu’a and Ashura, 28th of Safar, 14th of Khordad, 21st of Ramadan, and 25th of Shawwal.
Virtual Visits to the National Museum of Iran
If you are unable to visit the museum in person, you can explore it virtually by visiting the National Museum of Iran’s website. This allows you to view the museum’s historical and cultural artifacts without needing to be physically present.
Summary
The National Museum of Iran, as the most significant and oldest museum in the country, represents human achievements across different historical periods. Entering the museum and viewing its valuable ancient artifacts gives you the sensation of traveling back thousands of years and understanding the concerns and lifestyles of people from that era. This experience allows you to vividly imagine the lives of the past.
It’s important to note that as time progresses and humanity advances, understanding the lifestyles of past individuals becomes more challenging. Today’s conveniences, which we take for granted, required years of effort and invention for people of the past to achieve. This contrast highlights the evolutionary progress of humans and significant changes in lifestyle and technology. Visiting the National Museum of Iran is an exceptional opportunity to grasp these changes and appreciate the efforts of past civilizations to improve their lives and those of future generations.
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