Isfahan, the former capital of Persia, is a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as the “Half of the World.” With its stunning architectural marvels and numerous landmarks, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. However, apart from its cultural wonders, Isfahan is also home to several museums that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 museums in Isfahan that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history, art, and science. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a science geek, Esfahan’s museums have something to offer for everyone. So, let’s dive in and explore these fascinating museums in Esfahan.
Chehel Sotoun Museum
The Forty Pillar Museum, also known as Chehel Sotoun Palace, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful museums left from the Safavid period in Isfahan, which ranks second after Golestan Museum in terms of historical and architectural value. If you are curious about Iran’s identity during different periods, you should not miss visiting this place, because as mentioned, the Forty Pillars Museum has a special and amazing architecture that can fascinate you for many minutes.
The construction of this palace dates back to the time of Shah Abbas Safavid and the period when Isfahan was the capital of Iran. This museum actually has 20 columns. These columns are located directly in front of a pool and the reflection of the water makes you see 20 columns in the water. That’s why this beautiful building is also known as Chehel Sotoun, meaning “Forty Columns” in Persian.
The objects found in the museum are classified as anthropology and archeology. Manuscripts, paintings, and functional and decorative dishes from the Islamic period are also on display. The palace occupies a vast area of over 6,700 square meters, consisting of various sections such as the Hall of Mirrors, Hall of Twenty Pillars, and two north and south rooms of the Hall of Mirrors. Other parts of the palace include the porches on the sides of the Kingdom Hall and a large pond in front of the hall. The Chehelston Museum Garden is one of the nine Iranian gardens registered on UNESCO’s historical heritage list, highlighting its importance and status.
Tourists can visit the museum daily, except on Sugai days. The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the spring and summer seasons and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the autumn and winter seasons. The museum is located on Ostandari Street in Isfahan.
Vank Church Museum
Vank Church Museum, located in Isfahan, has a two-story building with fixed and mobile showcases that displays about 830 objects related to the 16th to 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes 710 volumes of books and manuscripts, plaster paintings, valuable metal and wooden works, including unique inlaid panels, and Piram Khan’s booth. In addition, the museum has an Armenian Genocide Pavilion and porcelain and earthenware, booths of the printing industry, decrees and booths of the Republic of Armenia in 1918. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Vank church and learn about the customs of the Armenians in Jolfa region of Isfahan. The museum is open every day except Fridays, days of mourning, and Armenian holidays, from 8:00 to 17:30. It is located on East Nazar St., Kelisa Wank Alley in Esfahan.
The Music Museum
The Music Museum is a recently established museum located on Isfahan’s Jolfa Street. The museum boasts over 300 musical instruments on display and has already earned two awards, including the Best Private Museum in Iran by the International Council of Museums. The museum features several halls, including the Hall of National Instruments, the Local Instruments Hall. It also has a music room where visitors can enjoy live traditional music and an instrument making workshop where visitors can observe the creation of traditional Iranian instruments. Additionally, the museum features unique instruments that cannot be found in other countries, and visitors can purchase instruments of good quality from the museum’s store. The Music Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fotowat Miniaturist gallery
Fotowat Miniaturist is a unique art gallery located in the beautiful city of Isfahan. This gallery offers visitors an opportunity to view exquisite Persian miniatures, which are intricate paintings that depict scenes from ancient Persian literature and everyday life. Each miniature is carefully hand-painted with incredible attention to detail, making them a true masterpiece of Persian art. Visitors to Fotowat Miniaturist can admire the beautiful miniatures on display and learn about the history and significance of this art form from the knowledgeable and friendly staff. For anyone interested in art, history, or Persian culture, a visit to Fotowat Miniaturist is a must-see experience in Isfahan.
Ali Qoli Khan Bath Museum
The Ali Qoli Khan Bath Museum is a historic building from the Safavid era, located in Isfahan Museum of Anthropology. It was built in 1091 AH by Ali Qoli Khan and features Isfahani architecture. It has a large and small bathroom, pool area, and various replicas showcasing the culture and life of the people of Isfahan. The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday and on Fridays and holidays, and is located in Isfahan on Seyed Mosque St., in front of Bin Tayeb St., Ayatollah Bidabadi St.
Isfahan Constitutional House
Isfahan Constitutional House was a meeting place for constitutionalists, scholars, intellectuals, and political figures in the past. It is a museum with 12 rooms, two courtyards, and two palaces, located in Nishat St., 14th Alley (Maqsoodbeyk), Isfahan. It features beautiful paintings and exhibits photos, models, and documents showcasing the thoughts of constitutionalists of that period. The museum is open from Saturday to Wednesday.
Museum of Educational Sciences and Techniques
Museum of Educational Sciences and Techniques is a museum in Isfahan, featuring different sections for different fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, and technical professions like computers, electronics, printing, and manufacturing. The museum is located in Shiraz Gate St., Mosli St., Alley No. 24, Isfahan, and is open every day except mourning days, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Astronomy and Astronomy section, which was added in 2013, features an observatory and provides explanations about different events of the world.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Isfahan is a historical building from the Timurid era that displays rare natural works collected over 37 years from Iran and around the world. It has different sections, including invertebrate and botanical halls, geological and natural geography halls, and the largest section of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The museum is also home to large replicas of dinosaurs and other animals, and is located next to a beautiful spot for souvenir photos.
Oyster Museum (Shell Museum)
The Shell Museum in Isfahan is a specialized museum that houses over 2,000 species of mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms obtained from the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, Oman Sea, and other locations around the world. The museum is an ideal destination for those interested in the deep sea and its creatures.
Butterfly Garden Museum
The Butterfly Garden Museum is located in Isfahan’s Najvan Park and covers an area of 2,000 square meters. It showcases over 100 species of rare plants, including Firdos shrubs, cycas, begonias, ficus, and Linda, as well as a collection of over 2,200 species of butterflies in stylish frames. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s other facilities, such as the cable car, amusement park, and reptile garden, while taking in the pristine beauty of the museum’s natural environment. The museum is open every day from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
If you’re planning a trip to Isfahan and want to experience the city like a local, we’re here to help! Our team of travel experts can provide you with personalized itineraries and insider tips to make your visit to Isfahan unforgettable. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historical sites, trying the local cuisine, or discovering the hidden gems of the city, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to Isfahan!