Reza Abbasi Museum

Reza Abbasi Museum

The Reza Abbasi Museum is one of Iran’s most significant and comprehensive museums. Inaugurated on September 16, 1977, it is named in honor of Reza Abbasi, the renowned painter of the Safavid era.

History

The museum building originally housed a furniture and home décor exhibition. Its architectural features and prime location drew the attention of authorities, leading to its purchase. The museum was officially inaugurated in October 1977 by Farah Pahlavi to preserve valuable artifacts and royal gifts, but it closed a year later in November 1978. During this period (1976–1979), Aydin Aghdashloo managed the museum.

The museum’s emblem was designed in 1976 by Morteza Momayez, known as the father of Iranian graphic design. He collaborated with Mohammad Ehsai and received guidance from Aydin Aghdashloo on floral motifs.

After interior modifications and the expansion of exhibition spaces, the museum reopened at the end of 1979. It experienced intermittent closures due to operational issues, reopening finally on February 4, 2001, after extensive renovations. Today, the museum is managed by the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, with Shahram Heydarabadian as its director.

Halls

The museum displays artworks spanning from the prehistoric era to the 13th century AH across three main halls:

• Pre-Islamic Hall

• Islamic Arts Hall

• Painting and Calligraphy Hall

Collections

The museum’s collection is highly diverse, covering works from the 2nd millennium BCE to the early 20th century (end of the Qajar period). Artifacts are arranged chronologically, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of art, culture, and civilization in Iran. Highlights include:

• Bust of a Nobleman – Lapis Lazuli – Sassanian Period

• The Luristan Goat Statue

The museum also houses an advanced restoration and conservation department, equipped with two laboratories and a workshop, specializing in paintings, metal objects, and manuscripts. This workshop restores both in-house artifacts and items sent from other museums in Iran.

Library

The museum library contains over 10,000 books in Persian, English, French, and German, alongside subscriptions to more than 50 domestic and 60 foreign journals. It is accessible to museum staff, Cultural Heritage Organization employees, professors, students, and cultural researchers.

Publications

The museum’s publications department has released numerous reference works on Iranian art and history.

Museum Floors

• First Floor: Dedicated to painting and calligraphy, featuring the oldest surviving leaf from the Shahnameh-ye Demut (mid-8th century AH).

• Second Floor: Showcases Islamic-era artifacts across two halls.

• Third Floor: Houses the library and the Pre-Islamic Hall, displaying golden rhytons from the Achaemenid period and silver vessels from the Sassanian era.