The Iran Carpet Museum stands in Laleh Park, in the heart of Tehran. Opened in 1978, it houses one of the world's finest collections of Persian carpets, spanning several centuries of artisanal production. The building's architecture itself—designed to evoke the structure of a traditional loom—deserves attention. For anyone interested in Iranian craftsmanship, it's an essential stop.

Practical information at a glance

• Admission: paid (reduced rates for Iranian nationals)
• Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Dress code: modest dress required; women must cover their hair
• Access: close to Mosalla Metro Station (Line 2)

What you'll see

The museum showcases carpets and kilims from all the major carpet-producing regions of Iran: Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Kerman, Qom, as well as nomadic pieces from the Qashqai and Bakhtiari tribes. Works are displayed either flat or suspended vertically, allowing visitors to appreciate the density of knots and the fineness of patterns. Some pieces date back to the 16th century.

History and context

The museum project was initiated during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, at the initiative of Queen Farah Diba. Iranian architect Abdol-Aziz Farmanfarmaian designed the building by drawing inspiration from the form of a traditional loom. Opened shortly before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the museum has weathered periods of closure before reopening and establishing itself as a major cultural institution.

Highlights of your visit

Safavid court carpets

Among the most remarkable pieces are carpets from the Safavid period (16th-17th centuries), characterized by their central medallions and botanical borders of extreme precision. These works illustrate the height of Persian court weaving.

Tribal kilims

Kilims from nomadic tribes offer a striking contrast: bold geometry, vibrant colors, raw wool. Qashqai and Bakhtiari pieces testify to a parallel tradition, distinct from court carpet but equally codified.

Building architecture

From the outside, the raw concrete façade evokes the warp beams of a loom. Inside, filtered natural light highlights the colors of the carpets without aggressing them. The building is itself an architectural study.

Etiquette and visiting rules

• Women must wear a headscarf (scarf or shawl) inside the museum.
• Modest dress required for all visitors.
• Do not touch the displayed carpets.

Photography tips

Photography is generally permitted in the exhibition halls, without flash. Vertically suspended carpets photograph best in natural light, mid-morning. Frame knot details in close-up to convey the density of workmanship. Check restrictions posted at the entrance of each room.

Location and access

The museum is located in Laleh Park, in central Tehran, close to the University of Tehran. The nearest metro station is Mosalla (Line 2). Laleh Park itself is accessible on foot from several main thoroughfares. The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the same park, a few minutes' walk away.

Nearby attractions

• Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art — in Laleh Park, collection of Iranian and Western modern art from the 20th century.
• Laleh Park — central green space beloved by Tehranis, ideal for a break between visits.
• University of Tehran — historic campus whose main entrance is an architectural landmark of the neighborhood.
• Grand Bazaar of Tehran — by metro, to buy carpets and crafts directly from merchants.