National Museum of Iran
Good for: History Enthusiasts
300,000+
Objects in Collection
1937
Year Founded
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
National Museum of Iran in Tehran, Iran. Admission: From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays). 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.
About National Museum of Iran
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.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Museum of Iran without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 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.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define National Museum of Iran — and why they matter.
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 & highlights
- • Salt Man mummy
- • Persepolis and Achaemenid reliefs
- • Luristan bronzes
- • Sassanian silver and glass
- • Islamic ceramics and manuscripts
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. Emotionally intense history museums reward unhurried visits — allow longer if reading extensively.
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?
From IRR 1,000,000 foreign visitors Iranian nationals discounted. 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.
World Animal Rescue Network
Save pangolins
Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals. Donations fund confiscation response, rehabilitation, and demand-reduction campaigns. Please consider a donation to support this work.
Enjoying our free guides? Support World Museum Guide — optional, and every guide stays free.