Moghaddam Museum

Moghaddam Museum | Tehran’s Historic House Museum of Persian Art & Culture

• A Home with a Heritage
• Architecture That Breathes
• A Collector's Dream
• Why It Captivates

Tucked away in the heart of Tehran , behind thick garden walls and shaded by old trees, lies a sanctuary of history and aesthetics: the Moghaddam House . Known in Persian as خانه مقدم , this Qajar-era mansion is not just a museum — it’s a deeply personal archive of Iran’s cultural soul, lovingly curated by one man and his wife over a lifetime.

A Home with a Heritage

Originally the residence of Mohammad Taghi Khan Ehtesab al-Molk , a prominent Qajar official, the house later became the home of his son, Professor Mohsen Moghaddam , a renowned archaeologist and co-founder of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran . Alongside his French-born wife, Selma Kouyoumjian , Mohsen transformed the home into a living museum — collecting, preserving, and displaying thousands of historical artifacts from across Iran.

Their passion wasn't just academic — it was emotional. Every tile, carved stone, and antique textile was placed with care, turning the home into a mosaic of Iran's artistic and spiritual journey.

Architecture That Breathes

The house spans over 2,000 square meters , divided into several enchanting sections:

• Outer Courtyard: A lush garden with fountains, Qajar-era tiles, and a Japanese-inspired corner reflecting the couple's global influences
• Inner Courtyard: Designed like a Persian carpet, with a central pool, floral arrangements, and a stunning blue-tiled arch
• Arbabi Building (Tower): A European-style structure built by Mohsen and his student, blending Iranian and Western aesthetics
• Hozkhaneh (Pond House): A basement adorned with terracotta fragments and tiles from the 4th to 13th centuries AH
• Library and Workshop: Housing Mohsen's personal book collection and serving as a creative space for art lovers

The architecture is a dialogue between eras — Qajar, Zand, Pahlavi — and cultures, with columns from Naser al-Din Shah's sister's palace and fountains inspired by Spain's Alhambra.

A Collector's Dream

Inside, the house showcases:

• Tiles and mosaics from various dynasties
• Pottery, glassware, and coins
• Historical documents and manuscripts
• Personal belongings, including Selma's French antiques and Mohsen's archaeological finds
• Sadaf Room: A treasure trove of rare items, named after the pearls hidden in oysters

Each room tells a story — not just of Iran's past, but of the couple's devotion to preserving it.

Why It Captivates

• Intimate atmosphere: Unlike grand museums, this feels like stepping into someone's soul
• Architectural fusion: A rare blend of Iranian tradition and European elegance
• Cultural depth: Offers insight into Iran's artistic evolution through personal curation
• Photogenic charm: Every corner is a canvas — perfect for quiet reflection or inspired photography

The Moghaddam House isn't just a place to visit — it's a place to feel. It invites you to slow down, wander through history, and witness how love for culture can turn a home into a national treasure.