Art Museum
Museum of the Islamic Era
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Museum of the Islamic Era is an art museum in District 12, Iran.
About Museum of the Islamic Era
Overview & Identity
The Museum of the Islamic Era (Persian: موزه دوران اسلامی) is a constituent part of the National Museum of Iran, located in Tehran's District 12 near Imam Khomeini Square. Established as a dedicated space for the historical monuments and artifacts of Islamic Iran, it operates alongside the Museum of Ancient Iran within the same complex. The museum serves as a primary repository for objects dating from the early Islamic period through the Qajar dynasty, distinguishing itself by focusing on the artistic and material culture of the Islamic era in Iran. It is a national history museum that houses approximately 1,500 historical objects displayed in 170 showcases, arranged chronologically to illustrate the evolution of Iranian art and society under Islamic rule.
History & Founding
The construction of the building housing the museum began in 1944 (1323 Solar Hijri), inspired by the architectural style of the Sasanian palace of Bishapur. The structure, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters across three floors, was completed in 1950 (1329 Solar Hijri). However, the museum itself was not inaugurated until 1996 (1375 Solar Hijri), after the building was equipped for its specific purpose. In June 2006 (1385 Solar Hijri), the museum closed for a nine-year period to improve facilities, expand spaces, and review the display of works. It officially reopened to the public on August 29, 2015 (7 Shahrivar 1394 Solar Hijri), with a renewed focus on the presentation of its collection.
Building & Architecture
The museum building is a three-story structure designed with architectural references to the Sasanian palace of Bishapur. The ground floor contains a meeting hall and temporary exhibition spaces. The first and second floors house the permanent collection across seven distinct halls. The interior architecture emphasizes the art of calligraphy, with numerous paintings and inscriptions adorning the walls and display cases. Unlike the Museum of Ancient Iran, which focuses on stone and metal architectural fragments, the Islamic Era museum's architecture and displays highlight materials such as tilework, stucco, and plastered altars (mihrabs), reflecting the advancements in construction materials and decorative arts during the Islamic period.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The collection comprises roughly 1,500 artifacts sourced from scientific excavations and prestigious collections, including items transferred from the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil for security reasons. The holdings are diverse, featuring gold-plated Qurans with early Kufic scripts, illuminated manuscripts, and scientific instruments related to astronomy and medicine. The museum also displays significant architectural elements such as stone and tile mihrabs, plastered altars, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, and glass objects. The collection is organized chronologically, with specific halls dedicated to the Early Islamic, Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Safavid, and Qajar periods, showcasing the continuity and transformation of artistic styles.
Significance & Distinction
The Museum of the Islamic Era holds significance for its specific focus on the material culture of Islamic Iran, distinguishing it from the Museum of Ancient Iran. While the latter primarily exhibits stone and metal artifacts, the Islamic museum showcases a wider variety of organic and decorative materials, including paper, textiles, leather, porcelain, and glass. This distinction reflects the shift in artistic production and material usage following the Islamic conquest. The museum serves as a critical resource for understanding the spiritual and artistic life of Iran during the Islamic centuries, highlighting the role of calligraphy, manuscript illumination, and architectural ornamentation in the nation's cultural heritage.
Plan your visit
Museum of the Islamic Era
- Part of
- National Museum of Iran