National Museum of Iran
Quick answer
National Museum of Iran in Tehran, Iran — iran's premier museum — two buildings housing 300,000 years of Persian history from prehistoric pottery to Achaemenid gold, Sassanian silver, and Islamic ceramics on Tehran's Si-e Tir Street. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mondays. Admission: From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors. Allow 2–3 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
National Museum of Iran at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors |
| Free or reduced entry | Iranian nationals discounted |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00) before tour groups arrive. |
| Getting there | Metro: Hasan Abad station (Line 1) — 5-minute walk along Si-e Tir Street |
| Address | Si-e Tir St, Tehran, Iran |
| Official website | nationalmuseumofiran.ir |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is National Museum of Iran known for?
The National Museum of Iran occupies two buildings on Si-e Tir Street in central Tehran — the 1937 brick-and-stone Museum of Ancient Iran and the 1972 white-marble Museum of the Islamic Era. Together they hold some 300,000 objects spanning 300,000 years of Persian history.
The Ancient Iran building traces prehistory through the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian empires, with masterpieces including Persepolis reliefs, Luristan bronzes, and the famous Salt Man mummy. The Islamic building covers ceramics, metalwork, and manuscripts from the 7th century onward.
For visitors to Iran, this is the essential introduction to one of the world's oldest continuous civilisations — a country whose artistic and political history shaped much of the ancient and medieval world.
Best for: History Enthusiasts
How long do you need at National Museum of Iran?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Museum of Iran without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Salt Man of Chehrabad
📍 Ancient Iran Building, Ground Floor
A naturally mummified miner discovered in a salt mine in northwestern Iran — his clothing, tools, and even lunch preserved for 1,700 years.
- 2
Persepolis Relief Fragments
📍 Ancient Iran Building, First Floor
Stone reliefs from the ceremonial capital of Darius I showing tribute-bearers from across the empire — the visual language of Achaemenid power.
- 3
Luristan Bronzes
📍 Ancient Iran Building
Finely cast ritual standards, daggers, and animal figurines from western Iran — among the most distinctive metalwork of the ancient Near East.
- 4
Lustreware Bowl
📍 Islamic Era Building
A golden lustre-glazed ceramic bowl from medieval Kashan — exemplifying the technical brilliance of Persian pottery at its peak.
What are the must-see works at National Museum of Iran?
4 highlights that define the collection: Salt Man of Chehrabad, Persepolis Relief Fragments, Luristan Bronzes and more.
Salt Man of Chehrabad
Sassanian period · c. 500 CE
📍 Ancient Iran Building, Ground Floor
A naturally mummified miner discovered in a salt mine in northwestern Iran — his clothing, tools, and even lunch preserved for 1,700 years.
Persepolis Relief Fragments
Achaemenid · c. 5th century BCE
📍 Ancient Iran Building, First Floor
Stone reliefs from the ceremonial capital of Darius I showing tribute-bearers from across the empire — the visual language of Achaemenid power.
Luristan Bronzes
Bronze Age · c. 1000–650 BCE
📍 Ancient Iran Building
Finely cast ritual standards, daggers, and animal figurines from western Iran — among the most distinctive metalwork of the ancient Near East.
Lustreware Bowl
Kashan kilns · 13th century
📍 Islamic Era Building
A golden lustre-glazed ceramic bowl from medieval Kashan — exemplifying the technical brilliance of Persian pottery at its peak.
Collections and highlights
- • Salt Man mummy
- • Persepolis and Achaemenid reliefs
- • Luristan bronzes
- • Sassanian silver and glass
- • Islamic ceramics and manuscripts
Tips for visiting National Museum of Iran
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00) before tour groups arrive. The museum is closed Mondays.
- 2.
Tickets & booking
Foreign visitors pay approximately IRR 1,000,000. Iranian nationals receive a significant discount. Pay at the entrance.
- 3.
Accessibility
The older Ancient Iran building has stairs. The Islamic Era building is more accessible with lifts.
- 4.
Photography rules
Photography rules vary by gallery — some sections prohibit cameras entirely. Ask at the ticket desk.
How do you get to National Museum of Iran?
- metro Hasan Abad station (Line 1) — 5-minute walk along Si-e Tir Street
- metro Imam Khomeini station — 10-minute walk or short taxi ride
- bus Multiple Tehran bus routes serve Si-e Tir Street
- walk In the embassy district — walkable from Ferdowsi Avenue and the Golestan Palace area
Address: Si-e Tir St, Tehran, Iran
National Museum of Iran: frequently asked questions
What should I see at the National Museum of Iran?
The Ancient Iran section covers prehistory through the Achaemenid Empire. Highlights include the Salt Man, Persepolis reliefs, and exquisite Islamic-era ceramics in the Islamic Museum building.
How long should I spend at National Museum of Iran?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of National Museum of Iran. Our 4-stop route — Salt Man of Chehrabad, Persepolis Relief Fragments, Luristan Bronzes and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is National Museum of Iran best known for?
Iran's premier museum — two buildings housing 300,000 years of Persian history from prehistoric pottery to Achaemenid gold, Sassanian silver, and Islamic ceramics on Tehran's Si-e Tir Street. Key highlights include Salt Man mummy, Persepolis and Achaemenid reliefs, Luristan bronzes.
How do I get tickets for National Museum of Iran?
Admission: From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nationalmuseumofiran.ir/
What is the Salt Man of Iran?
A Sassanian-era miner whose body was naturally preserved in a salt mine in Chehrabad. His remains, clothing, and personal effects are displayed in the Ancient Iran building — one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in Iran.
Are there two separate buildings?
Yes — the brick Museum of Ancient Iran (1937) covers pre-Islamic history, and the white marble Museum of the Islamic Era (1972) covers the Islamic period. One ticket covers both.
Can I photograph the Persepolis reliefs?
Photography policies change — some galleries allow non-flash photography, others do not. Check with staff at the entrance to each building.
Is National Museum of Iran open on Mondays?
No — National Museum of Iran is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are National Museum of Iran's opening hours?
National Museum of Iran is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is National Museum of Iran free to visit?
No — standard admission is From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors. Exceptions: Iranian nationals discounted.