Sa'dabad Complex

The Sa'dabad Palace Complex

The Sa'dabad Palace Complex is situated at the foot of the mountains in Shemiran, one of the most prestigious areas in northern Tehran. Known for its scenic beauty and fresh mountain air, Shemiran has long been a favoured retreat for the state's elite and a preferred location for their residences and leisure.

The Sa'dabad Complex was initially constructed during the late Qajar era in the early 20th century. However, it was the Pahlavi dynasty that expanded it to its current boundaries, transforming it into a lavish palace and park complex spanning over a hundred hectares. In the 1920s, Shah Reza Pahlavi resided there, and by the 1970s, it served as the summer residence for his son, Mohammad Reza Shah.

Today, the Sa'dabad Complex comprises numerous palaces and museum pavilions, set amidst a stunning park adorned with majestic plane tree-lined alleys, blooming magnolias, mountain streams, and even waterfalls. Nearly every building within the complex hosts unique museum collections and rare exhibits, offering visitors a rich cultural and historical experience.

The Sa'dabad Green Palace

The small Green Palace, which laid the foundation for the creation of this renowned residence, was originally built during the late Qajar dynasty and was known as Shahvand Palace. Reza Shah Pahlavi later undertook significant renovations, giving the palace its current appearance, with its exterior adorned in elegant marble of soft sand and green colours. The crown jewel of the palace is Reza Shah's bedroom, where the walls and ceiling are exquisitely inlaid with intricate mirror mosaics.

The Sa'dabad White Palace

The White Palace, constructed in the 1930s, was designed to host receptions and foreign delegations and served as the summer residence of the Shah's family during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah. Despite its modest exterior, the interior is a true treasure trove. Spanning 5,000 square metres, the palace houses 54 rooms filled with unique museum exhibits. Many of these are gifts from Iranian and foreign dignitaries to the Pahlavi royal family, along with antiques collected by the Shah during his travels in Europe. Traditional Iranian interior pieces also hold great value, including a magnificent carpet in the ceremony hall measuring 143 square metres, one of the largest ever woven in Iran. The palace also hosts the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring an impressive collection of paintings by Persian artists from the 15th century as well as renowned Western masters, including Ivan Shishkin, Peter Graham, and even Salvador Dalí.

The Shah's Family Car Museum

The small pavilion hosts one of the museum's most valuable collections: the Shah's family cars. Among the rare vehicles of the era, visitors can admire the luxurious Rolls-Royce, the personal car of Mohammad Reza Shah, as well as the elegant Mercedes-Benz 600 convertible owned by his wife, Empress Farah Pahlavi.

The museums within the Sa'dabad Complex also showcase diverse collections, including military equipment, soldiers' uniforms, and weaponry from the Achaemenid dynasty to the modern era. Additionally, exhibits feature traditional costumes, royal dinnerware, and other artefacts that highlight the rich history and cultural heritage of the Iranian people.