When you’re in Tehran, you absolutely can’t miss the awesome Tehran Music Museum! It’s the perfect spot to dive into the vibrant world of Iran’s traditional instruments. Trust me, a visit here will give you a totally different vibe, especially with all those cool instruments from some of Iran’s legendary musicians on display. This place is a hit with art lovers and creative souls, and the building itself is just so unique and eye-catching. Talk about awesome, right? And guess what? Among all the cool museums in Tehran, this one has the biggest collection of music recordings and a library totally dedicated to everything music-related. You’ve got to check it out with fababa
History of the Music Museum
The awesome Music Museum, nestled in the heart of Iran’s capital, sprawls across three floors, covering a whopping 3650 square meters, with an infrastructure spanning about 1400 square meters. Back in November 22, 2018, this place came to life, thanks to the hard work of artists, cultural influencers, and the support of the Tehran municipality, which helped set up and enhance the museum’s infrastructure.
Here’s a bit of history for you: The current building of the museum used to be a residence back in 1972 before it underwent a change in purpose. Around that time, a visionary named Siros Samrad, who was responsible for the Intercontinental Hotel (now the Laleh Hotel) in Tehran, bought a sprawling 400-hectare garden in the Tajrish area, known as the prayer garden. Within this garden, he erected a stunning mansion, which, following the Islamic revolution, was handed over to the Mostaz-afan Foundation. Subsequently, the property found its way into the hands of the Tehran Municipality.
Then, in 1993, three cultural and artistic figures, including Seyed Mahmoud Beheshti, Morteza Kazemi, and Ali Muradkhani, had a brilliant idea. They proposed the creation of a music museum. The project kicked off in 1995 under the leadership of Ali Muradkhani, who remains the museum’s CEO to this day. Finally, on November 22, 2018, the Tehran Music Museum officially opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of its remarkable journey.
The Architecture of Tehran Museum of Music
Let’s explore the different parts of the Tehran Music Museum, starting with its architecture and various sections:
Ground Floor: Halls of Musicians in the Regions of Iran
As you step onto the ground floor of the Tehran Music Museum, you’ll find yourself in the captivating hall of Iranian regional instruments. This hall is a treasure trove divided into three main sections, showcasing wind instruments, stringed instruments, and self-sounding instruments. Here, you can marvel at the exquisite and invaluable instruments left behind by the legendary musicians of Iran.
Wind Instruments Section: Prepare to be amazed by an array of reeds, serenas, and soteks, all part of the wind instrument collection housed in this section.
Stringed Instruments Section: Dive into the rich heritage of Iranian stringed instruments, including the iconic dotar, qichak, and other unique instruments from different geographical regions across the country.
Self-Sounding Instruments Section: Discover an assortment of self-sounding instruments from various parts of Iran, including enchanting bells and other distinctive items that carry the essence of different cultures.
Hall of Percussion Instruments
Moving along the ground floor, you’ll encounter the hall of percussion instruments. This vibrant space is home to both one-sided and two-sided skin percussion instruments, each representing the diverse musical traditions found throughout the country. Prepare to be entranced by the rhythmic beats and melodies resonating from these instruments, each telling a story of Iran’s rich musical tapestry.
First Floor: Hall of Traditional and Classical Instruments
Ascending to the first floor, you’ll find yourself in the enchanting hall of traditional and classical instruments. This captivating space is a haven for enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse array of conventional Iranian musical instruments. From the soulful melodies of the tar, Setar, and Dulcimer to the haunting sounds of the Kamancheh and violin, this hall offers a comprehensive glimpse into Iran’s rich musical heritage. Moreover, it proudly displays musical instruments crafted by the renowned Ebrahim Qanbari Mehr, alongside the cherished instruments of legendary traditional music masters, including the famed Yahya strings, Mirza Abdullah’s Setar, Naseeruddin Shah’s Setar, and Hossein Malek’s Dulcimer.
Treasure Section: A Glimpse into Musical Greats’ Legacy
Dive deeper into the rich history of Iranian music as you explore the treasure section of the museum. This exclusive area is dedicated to preserving the legacy of musical maestros, showcasing their personal items, and even intricately sculpted heads created in their honor. Among the invaluable treasures housed here, you’ll find a diverse collection of items that pay homage to the profound impact of renowned musicians and researchers.
Here are some notable mentions from the treasure section:
- Personal items and musical instruments belonging to esteemed professors like Ahmad Ebadi, Haj Qurban Soleimani, Khatire Parvaneh, and Colonel Alineghi Vaziri.
- Keep an eye out for Master Tajvidi’s hat, raincoat, and wallet, which hold significant historical value within this treasure trove.
- The conductor of the Heshmat Sanjarri orchestra is also prominently featured in this section, underscoring the diverse contributions of influential musical figures.
- Look out for the desk calendar of Master Masoudiyeh, a testament to the meticulous dedication and artistry that defines the legacy of Iranian music.
glassware and ceramic museum of iran
Music Recording History Equipment Exhibition
Step into the engaging world of music recording history as you explore this intriguing section of the museum. Here, visitors can marvel at a diverse array of music recording devices, including vintage gramophones—ranging from manual to electric, battery-powered, portable, and even car-specific models. Additionally, the exhibition showcases magnetic tapes, cassette tapes, wire recorders, and other fascinating items, many of which hail from renowned American and German companies. The primary goal of this section is to acquaint visitors with the evolution and progress of the global recording and music industry, offering a glimpse into the technological advancements that have shaped the way we enjoy music today.
Audio Archive of the Music Museum
Delve into the treasure trove of the museum’s Audio Archive, a dedicated space housing a rich collection of musical history. Here, visitors can explore a vast assortment of musical artifacts, including 13,000 records, 4,500 tapes, 12,000 filled cassette tapes, around 9,000 CDs and DVDs, and approximately 2,000 vintage photographs of renowned artists. This invaluable collection owes its existence to the generous donations of various individuals, including engineer Mohammad Ali Golshan Ebrahimi and philanthropist Amir Hossein Sultan. A testament to the enduring legacy of music, this archive chronicles recorded works dating back to 1905 AD, providing an immersive journey through the captivating evolution of Iran’s musical landscape.
Music museum library
The Library: A Knowledge Wonderland
Hey, bookworms! The library at the Tehran Music Museum is a total treasure trove! With around 6000 books covering art, literature, history, and, of course, music, it’s a paradise for all you curious minds out there. You can dig into Persian and Latin books, check out theses, sheet music, and even cool stuff like posters and invitation cards. Oh, and don’t miss the cool periodicals, scanned books, and ancient manuscripts sourced from top-notch places like the National Library and the Malek National Museum Library. Some of the books here are seriously old, dating way back to 1921 AD!
Music Museum Construction Workshop: Get Your Hands Dirty
Ready to get crafty? Head over to the music museum construction workshop and watch the masters at work! You can see how they create and fix musical instruments using all sorts of cool tools. It’s all about getting hands-on and learning, so feel free to touch and feel the instruments. Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent for making music!
Tehran Cafe Music Museum: Chill Out and Refuel
Time to relax! The Tehran Cafe Music Museum is the perfect spot to unwind after checking out all the cool exhibits. Sit back and treat yourself to some yummy drinks and tasty bites. It might not be the oldest cafe in town, but it’s definitely got a cozy vibe. And guess what? You can enjoy free internet, so you can share all your awesome museum experiences with your friends and fam while sipping on your favorite drink.
Getting to Tehran Music Museum by Subway
If you’re planning to visit the Tehran Music Museum, the subway is a convenient option. Take the metro and hop off at the Tajrish station. From there, take a short walk to Tajrish Square, then enter Darbandi Street and continue until you reach the museum. If you’re anywhere in Tehran, you can also catch a bus to the Tajrish terminal and then make your way to the museum from Tajrish station.
Parking and Nearby Attractions
During busy hours, if you’re driving to the museum, consider using the Tehran Municipality parking lot next to Imamzadeh Saleh (AS). While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant Tajrish Bazaar, a bustling hub of local culture and craftsmanship.
Buying Tickets to Visit the Music Museum
Visitors with a Music House card, individuals with a dignity card, and families of martyrs can enjoy free entry to the museum. Keep in mind that the museum offers free admission on World Music Day and World Museum Day. For more details regarding visiting hours and entrance fees on specific days, you can contact them at +982122672785.
Sights Around the Music Museum
Make the most of your Tehran tour by exploring the attractions near the museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Dr. Hasabi Museum, the Cinema Museum in Ferdous Garden, and the Iranian Art Museum Garden, each offering unique insights into Iran’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to Find Tehran Music Museum
Address: Tehran, Tajrish Square, Shahid Ebrahim Darbandi St. (former Maqsoud Beyk), Mozeh St., Nilofar Alley, No. 9
The Tehran Music Museum is an exciting destination with various sections that showcase a rich tapestry of musical history. From its diverse collection of musical instruments to its special sections like the workshop displaying the instrument-making process and the engaging “touch the instruments” area, this museum promises an immersive and educational experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. After your visit, take a moment to relax and enjoy some refreshments at the cozy coffee shop, making your trip to the museum a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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