International Council of Museums (ICOM)?

Have you ever heard of the International Council of Museums (ICOM)? Founded in 1946, this global NGO serves as the backbone of the museum community, fostering connections between institutions worldwide while championing the protection of cultural and natural heritage. In close collaboration with UNESCO, ICOM works to raise awareness of the rich historical legacies that shape each nation.

To celebrate the invaluable role museums play in preserving history and embracing cultural diversity, ICOM established International Museums Day (IMD), observed annually on May 18th. On this day, museum professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts from around the world gather for conferences and discussions, exchanging insights to enhance museum standards and highlight their importance in safeguarding both heritage and ethical diversity.

Each year, ICOM selects a theme for IMD, addressing contemporary challenges faced by museums. In 2025, the spotlight shines on “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” urging institutions to adapt, innovate, and redefine their roles in an ever-evolving world.

Why Are Museums Important?

We often think of museums as places where objects from different eras—art, jewelry, and historical artifacts—are displayed in grand buildings with distinctive architecture. However, museums are far more than just elegant spaces filled with treasures. They are gateways to history, culture, and knowledge, serving as bridges between generations, preserving humanity’s stories and achievements, and inspiring future exploration and creativity.

Here’s why museums are so important:

• Preserving Heritage: Museums safeguard artifacts, documents, and artworks that help us understand the past. Without them, much of our history could be lost.
• Educating & Inspiring: They offer interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity, challenge perspectives, and deepen understanding of different cultures and historical events.
• Fostering Cultural Identity: Museums strengthen a sense of belonging by showcasing traditions, customs, and artistic expressions from various civilizations.
• Encouraging Dialogue: By addressing social issues and historical events, museums promote conversations that lead to greater awareness and change.
• Boosting Innovation: Historical inventions and artistic masterpieces displayed in museums often inspire modern breakthroughs in art, technology, and design.

Beyond their collections, museum architecture itself can be awe-inspiring—many are designed as artistic masterpieces, reflecting the culture and vision of their time.

Main Museums in Tehran

Tehran is home to a variety of museums, palaces, and historical sites, offering insights into art, history, and architecture. Those interested in arts and culture can visit the Music, Cinema, Contemporary Art, and Negarestan Museums, each showcasing different aspects of Iranian creativity.

For visitors fascinated by jewelry and craftsmanship, the Jewelry Museum displays one of the world’s largest cut diamonds, Darya-ye Nur. Those who appreciate traditional architecture and historic houses may find the Moghaddam, Teymurtash, and Time Museums particularly intriguing.

History enthusiasts can explore the National Museum of Iran and Abgineh Museum, which collectively house over 300,000 artifacts, covering periods from the Paleolithic era to Islamic art. Meanwhile, those who enjoy large museum complexes set within lush gardens may visit Sa’ad Abad Palace, Niyavaran Palace, and Golestan Palace, where exhibitions range from visual arts to antique automobiles and photographs of Iran’s last royal family.

One of Tehran’s lesser-known but noteworthy museums is Marmar Palace, recognized as the Museum of Art. In celebration of International Museums Day, this article introduces Marmar Palace to readers interested in exploring Iran’s artistic heritage.

Marble Palace in Tehran

The Marble Palace, an architectural masterpiece of Iranian art, is located in central Tehran. As its name suggests, the main material used to construct this magnificent building is fine Iranian marble, set within a vast, landscaped garden.

The palace’s dome, inspired by the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, is adorned with hundreds of intricately designed tiles. However, the structure itself is a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles, making it a unique cultural landmark.

Visitors enter the palace through grand wooden doors decorated with Iranian symbols. Inside, the first floor has been transformed into a museum exhibiting objects ranging from five millennia ago to the present day. On the second floor, guests can explore various rooms, each showcasing exquisite Iranian craftsmanship—mirror work, woodwork, tilework, and Kahtamkari. The walls of the main hall feature paintings by some of Iran’s most renowned artists, depicting Nezami’s Haft Peykar stories. And while marveling at the palace’s ornate beauty, visitors shouldn’t forget to look down—the Iranian carpets beneath their feet are masterpieces in their own right.

How to Visit the Marble Palace

The museum is located at the intersection of Vali’asr and Imam Khomeyni streets in central Tehran. Visitors can reach the palace via the subway (Imam Ali University Station) or Vali’asr BRT.

Entry Requirements:

• Iranians must present an ID card.
• Foreign visitors can enter only with a passport.
• Upon arrival, visitors must ring the doorbell, as the entrance may appear closed. A security guard will check IDs before granting access.

For security reasons, all personal belongings—including phones and cameras—must be surrendered before entry. Since photography, note-taking, and phone usage are prohibited inside, visitors can immerse themselves fully in the experience without distractions.

The museum is closed on Saturdays. Foreign visitors are charged approximately 8 Euros for admission, making it one of Iran’s more expensive museums, but well worth the visit.

Guided Tours with FarsiMonde

At FarsiMonde, we offer guided tours of the Marble Palace, accompanied by an interpreter in English or Turkish. If you would like to visit this extraordinary museum and require assistance, do not hesitate to contact the FarsiMonde Team for an unforgettable experience.