Famous Historical Houses in Tehran You Must Visit
Discover the History of Tehran with These Special Houses
Tehran’s old houses and mansions, scattered throughout the city, each tell a unique story. These houses, with their authentic Iranian architecture and lush green courtyards, are a testament to the city’s rich history. In this SURFIRAN article, we introduce some of the most famous historical houses in Tehran, along with their details such as history, address, and visiting hours.
Contents
Negarestan Garden Museum
Negarestan Garden Museum is one of the most popular mansions in Tehran. It was commissioned by Fath-Ali Shah during his reign. Over the years, the garden has served various purposes:
- The original buildings of the garden were demolished, and now it houses a teacher training college, a museum, and a library.
- Notable figures such as Malek o-Sho’arฤ Bahฤr, Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, and Parviz Khanlari studied here.
- The Qajar-era Hozkhaneh (waterhouse) has been transformed into the National Arts Museum.
- The garden features diverse museums like Kamal-ol-Molk Museum and Monir Museum.
- The mansionโs courtyard, with tall trees, small pools, and beautiful gardens, adds a special charm to the location.
If youโre visiting Tehran and planning to explore its attractions, SURFIRAN can help you find suitable accommodations and offers a list of hotels for online booking at competitive rates.
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- Address: Baharestan Square, near Safi Ali Shah Street and Daneshsara Street
- Operating Hours: Garden: 10 AM to 8 PM, Museums: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Note: The Negarestan Garden is closed on Mondays, but the cafรฉ, restaurant, and garden area remain open.
- See the Location on Google Maps
Masoudieh Mansion
The Masoudieh Mansion is one of the most beautiful and largest historical houses in Tehran, dating back to the Qajar era in the 1870s. It was built by Naser al-Din Shah’s son. We recommend visiting the cozy cafรฉ at Masoudieh Mansion and enjoying a traditional Qajari coffee. Additionally, itโs interesting to know:
- The complex includes over 10 buildings.
- Key sections include the Diwan-Khaneh (reception hall), entrance mansion, Mushir al-Dawleh Mansion, dining hall, and waterhouse.
- It is regarded as Tehran’s first national library and museum.
- Address: Baharestan Square, southwest side of Ekbatan Street
- Contact Number: 02133992012
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, except on mourning days
- See the Location on Google Maps
Hossein Khodadad House; Time Museum
Time Museum, belonging to Hossein Khodadad, an Iranian entrepreneur, was purchased by him in 1963 and restored with authentic Iranian architecture. This historical house in Tehran, built over 700 square meters on two floors, is exceptionally beautiful.
The Time Museum is Iran’s first clock museum, located in a large and peaceful garden. It houses a collection of old Iranian and foreign clocks and other time-measuring devices. Besides exploring this historical mansion, donโt miss the Reybar Cafรฉ and Restaurant in the museumโs garden, offering a variety of delicious drinks and dishes.
- Address: Valiasr Street, at the beginning of Sar Lashkar Fallahi (Zafaraniyeh) Street, at the corner of Parzin Baghdadi Intersection, No. 12
- Contact Number: 02122417336
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Ferdows Garden Mansion
Among the most famous historical mansions in northern Tehran is Ferdows Garden Mansion, dating back to the Qajar era and the time of Mohammad Shah. It is now known as the Cinema Museum Garden and the Moeini Garden. Interestingly, the current structure is a small part of the original Ferdows summer retreat. The cinema halls, cultural stalls, and cozy cafes in the historic and pleasant garden are very popular among visitors.
- Address: Valiasr Street (north), after Zafaraniyeh Crossroad, before Tajrish
- Contact Number: 02122705005
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Eyn od-Dowleh Mansion
Another old house in Tehran is the Eyn od-Dowleh Mansion, also known as Barg Gallery, built by the famous Qajar era lawyer Eyn od-Dowleh. The luxurious building, with its delicate stucco work and large, lush garden with tall trees, is sure to captivate you.
- Address: Pasdaran, Heravi Square, Vafamansh Street, Jamali Street
- Contact Number: 02122969741
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, except Fridays (coordinate in advance on public holidays)
- See the Location on Google Maps
Koushk Mansion; Shaghaghi House
Koushk Mansion, also known as Shaghaghi House, is one of the most magnificent old houses in central Tehran. Dr. Hossein Shaghaghi started its construction in 1931. The building showcases Qajari architecture with intricate and original details in every corner. The beauty of the stucco, brickwork, paintings, mirror work, tile work, and lattice designs will surely catch your eye. Visitors must obtain permission from the Cultural Heritage Organization or join a specialized tour to visit this site.
If you’re looking for affordable accommodations in this area, consider Iran Hotel Tehran, a 3-star hotel offering quality services and easy access to the cityโs attractions.
- Address: Ferdowsi Square, Koushk Street, between Ferdowsi and Lalehzar
- Contact Number: 02166341215
- See the Location on Google Maps
Dr. Hesabi House
The Dr. Hesabi House, the residence of the famous Iranian physicist, is located in Tajrish. This old brick house with a green door has been converted into a museum after his death. Be sure to visit this house to see Dr. Hesabiโs work and life items. Notice how he made changes in the house to accommodate his low-vision wife and himself for comfortable living.
- Address: Tajrish, Maqsud Beik Street, Dr. Hesabi Street
- Contact Number: 02122969741
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM (advance coordination is recommended)
- See the Location on Google Maps
Dr. Moein House
The Dr. Moein House is one of Tehran’s most famous old houses, which has also been a filming location for series like Shahrzad. This building was the residence of Amir Jahed, a renowned lyricist, and his son-in-law, Dr. Moein, a scholar and literary figure. This beautiful house museum dates back to the first Pahlavi era. Be sure to visit Dr. Moein’s study room and see one of the most important centers for music, literature, and calligraphy in eastern Tehran.
- Address: Pirouzi Street, Chaharsad Dastgah Square, end of Bayazid Bastami Street
- Contact Number: 02166463144
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, except Fridays
- See the Location on Google Maps
Moghaddam Museum House
The Moghaddam House, a Qajari-era mansion, is one of the most beautiful historical houses in Tehran. It was originally owned by Mohammad Taqi Khan Ehtesab al-Molk, a prominent figure in the Qajar court. Later, the house was sold to Dr. Mohsen Moghaddam. Letโs explore this magnificent house further:
- The courtyard features a marble pool, with stone sourced from Fath-Ali Shahโs bathhouse.
- The lush courtyard, beautiful landscaping, and cozy cafรฉ add to the house’s charm.
- The house is made of brick, with some parts decorated with tilework (artifacts from the Zand and Qajar eras) and paintings.
- The museum houses a valuable collection of stones, fabrics, tiles, pottery, glassware, paintings, coins, pipes, hookahs, and more.
If you are interested in museums and find art appealing, consider adding the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, one of Iran’s most valuable cultural and artistic treasures, to your itinerary.
- Address: Imam Khomeini Street, after Sheikh Hadi, next to Bank Mellat, No. 251
- Contact Number: 02166463144
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, except Mondays
- See the Location on Google Maps
Kazemi House
Kazemi House, also known as the Old Tehran Museum House, was built by Mirza Seyed Kazem Tafreshi during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar. The stunning architecture of this old Tehran mansion, with its intricate woodwork and delicate stucco, along with the intricately designed windows and colored glass, is sure to capture your attention.
The house now includes important sections such as a gallery, a theater, a library, an ethnography museum, and a celebrities museum, making it one of the best places to learn about the customs of the past.
- Address: 15 Khordad Street, Abulqasem Shirazi Alley, Imamzadeh Yahya Alley, No. 66
- Contact Number: 02133546716
- Visiting Hours: Saturday to Tuesday 9 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday 9 AM to 3:30 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Simin and Jalal House
The Simin Daneshvar and Jalal Al-e Ahmad House, located in the Shemiran district, was built in the architectural style of the early 1950s. Interestingly,
the house was constructed by Simin and Jalal themselves. The house exudes simplicity, warmth, and love, with a green courtyard featuring plane trees and fruit trees that create a unique atmosphere.
This house was listed as a national monument of Iran in 2004. Additionally, the Simin and Jalal Museum House was inaugurated on May 27, 2018, marking Simin Daneshvar’s birthday.
- Address: Dezashib, Shahid Ramazani Street, Rahbari Alley, Pasandideh Alley, Cul-de-sac Arz, No. 1
- Contact Number: 02122705969
- Visiting Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 9 AM to 4 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Goudar House
The Goudar House is one of the most unique historical houses in Tehran. Designed and owned by Andrรฉ Goudar, a French architect who lived in Iran during the first Pahlavi era, this house stands out for its blend of early Pahlavi and European architectural styles.
- Andrรฉ Goudar was the founder and first president of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran.
- He designed and executed works such as the Hafeziyeh in Shiraz, the National Museum of Iran, Iran Shahr School in Yazd, and the restoration of monuments like Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan, and the Jameh Mosque of Shiraz.
- The white Goudar House combines ancient Iranian architecture, reminiscent of Persepolis and Pasargadae.
- The exterior of the building is simple, but it reflects the grandeur of ancient Iranian architecture. The house is now a well-known cafรฉ and restaurant in the city center.
- Address: Enghelab Street, Qods Street, Pursina Street, at the corner of Jalalieh Cul-de-sac, No. 2
- Contact Number: 09031470077
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 11 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Motmen al-Atibba House
One of Tehran’s finest old houses is the Motmen al-Atibba House, which belonged to Motmen al-Atibba, the physician of Naser al-Din Shah. It was one of the first multi-story houses in Tehran. The beautiful brick architecture, large windows, stained glass, and charming courtyard make it one of the best locations for photography and filming.
Interestingly, the famous series Shahrzad was filmed in this house. You can even dress in Qajar-era clothing for photos inside the house.
- Address: Baharestan Square, Pamenar Street, opposite Ayatollah Kashani Mosque, Motmen al-Atibba Cul-de-sac, No. 13
- Contact Number: 09030788264
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
- See the Location on Google Maps
Teymourtash House; War Museum
Teymourtash House, owned by Abdolhossein Teymourtash, the first minister of court during the Pahlavi era, dates back to the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The houseโs architecture reflects Iranian, Russian, and Indian styles. The grandeur of Teymourtash House is evident from the first glance. Notably:
- The first floor of the mansion has been converted into a War Museum, showcasing a variety of weapons and military tools from the Safavid era to the Pahlavi era.
- The second floor features intricate mirror work, stained glass, Orosi windows, and delicate stucco, enhancing the house’s beauty.
- The basement, previously a water reservoir, now serves as a cozy cafรฉ.
- Address: South Kargar Street, Pasteur Street, War University
- Visiting Hours: Monday from 2 PM to 6 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Contact Number: 02166494149
- See the Location on Google Maps
Saba House Museum
Master Saba, a prominent Iranian musician, requested that his house be turned into a museum after his death. We recommend visiting this old Tehran house with its small pool and pleasant courtyard. The interior is also fascinating, with framed photos of Master Saba and his students, his musical instruments, sheet music, and personal items.
- Address: Baharestan Street, Zahir al-Islam Street, Saba Cul-de-sac
- Contact Number: 02133111246
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, except Fridays
- See the Location on Google Maps
Dabir al-Molk House
Among the old houses in central Tehran, the Dabir al-Molk House stands out, dating back to the Qajar era. The house’s original owner, Mirza Mohammad Hossein Khan Farahani, nicknamed Dabir al-Molk, was a prominent figure during Naser al-Din Shahโs reign. The house was built symmetrically, with the royal living room (Shahneshin) in the center and other rooms on either side.
Currently, the house features various sections such as the main hall (Shahneshin), an escape room, a solitude room, a cinema room, a studio, a workshop, a game room, and more, offering an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
- Address: Baharestan Square, below the Sercheshmeh Crossroad, Qavam al-Hosour Alley, Javidi Street, Fakhr al-Molk Alley (Hanif Nejad)
- Contact Number: 02133121005
- Visiting Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except Saturdays
- See the Location on Google Maps
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Conclusion
In this article, you were introduced to a list of the most famous old and historical houses in Tehran. We recommend visiting them to hear the stories each house has to offer. If you are visiting beautiful Tehran, SURFIRAN can assist you in finding suitable accommodation. Simply visit the Tehran hotels page to book your stay, from luxurious options like Esteghlal Hotel to more affordable choices like Omide Tehran Hotel.
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