Iran’s National Tea Museum, located in the lush city of Lahijan in Gilan Province, is a tribute to the country’s deep-rooted tea culture and the visionary behind it—Mohammad Mirza Kashef al-Saltaneh. Known as the “Father of Iranian Tea,” Kashef al-Saltaneh smuggled tea seeds from India in the late 19th century and pioneered tea cultivation in Iran. The museum, established in 1996, is built beside his mausoleum on a hill once covered in tea plantations. Its elegant structure, blending traditional and Western architectural styles, houses over 500 historical artifacts that trace the journey of tea from seed to cup.
Inside, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of antique samovars, teapots made of copper, ceramic, and stone, vintage documents, and even royal treaties related to tea trade. The museum also showcases tools used in traditional tea processing and offers anthropological exhibits that highlight the cultural significance of tea in Iranian daily life. Surrounded by panoramic views of tea fields and the scent of fresh leaves, the museum is more than a historical site—it’s a sensory experience that celebrates hospitality, heritage, and the enduring charm of a simple cup of tea.
Inside, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of antique samovars, teapots made of copper, ceramic, and stone, vintage documents, and even royal treaties related to tea trade. The museum also showcases tools used in traditional tea processing and offers anthropological exhibits that highlight the cultural significance of tea in Iranian daily life. Surrounded by panoramic views of tea fields and the scent of fresh leaves, the museum is more than a historical site—it’s a sensory experience that celebrates hospitality, heritage, and the enduring charm of a simple cup of tea.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Thursday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Friday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Entrance: Paid
- Cash/Credit Card accepted: Cash
- Region: Gilan Province
- City: Lahijan
- Address: Kashef-ol-Saltaneh Mausoleum and Iranian Tea Museum in Hasheminejad neighborhood of Lahijan and in Moallem Square, Hasheminejad Street
- Phone number: +981342229980
- Is open to public visitors: Yes
