Afif-Abad Garden, also known as Golshan Garden, is a historic garden and museum complex in Shiraz. Its landscaped grounds surround a two-story Qajar-era mansion that now houses collections connected with Iran’s military and royal history.
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History of Afif-Abad Garden
The garden’s history reaches back to the Safavid period, when the site was used by rulers in Fars. During the Qajar era, Mirza Ali Khan Qavam ol-Molk acquired and restored the property. Iran’s official tourism portal dates the present complex to 1863 and records an area of about 127,000 square metres.
In the late Qajar period the property became associated with Afifeh Khanum, from whom the modern name Afif-Abad derives. The Iranian Army acquired the complex in the early 1960s. It later opened as a military museum in 1991.
The Palace and Architecture
The palace stands at the center of the garden. It has two stories and about 30 rooms. Its entrance uses columns whose capitals draw on Persepolis, while the interiors combine Qajar decoration with painted ceilings, stucco, muqarnas and colored glass.
Museums and Historic Interiors
The lower floor contains a collection of historic weapons. The upper floor, commonly called the Ebrat Museum, preserves furnished rooms and decorative interiors associated with the palace’s later history. Displays and access arrangements can change, so treat the complex as an active museum rather than assuming every room will be open.
The Persian Garden
The grounds remain an important part of the visit. Mature trees, flower beds, water features and the axial relationship between the garden and mansion reflect the traditions of Persian garden design.
Traditional Bathhouse and Teahouse
The western part of the complex includes a traditional bathhouse and a historic teahouse. The bathhouse follows familiar Iranian hammam forms, while the teahouse is known for decorative scenes inspired by stories from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.
Planning a Visit
Afif-Abad Garden is on Afif-Abad Street in Shiraz. Opening hours, ticket prices and access to individual museum rooms can change, so confirm locally before traveling. Spring is particularly attractive for Shiraz’s gardens, although the complex can be visited throughout much of the year.
For context on the site’s history and architecture, see the official Visit Iran Afifabad Garden page. Other major Shiraz sites include Eram Garden, Persepolis and Narenjestan-e Ghavam.
