Reza Abbasi Museum

The Reza Abbasi Museum (the RAM) opened in September 1977, but in November 1978, just one year after its official opening it was closed. Exactly a year later in 1979, having had changes in its internal decorations and with further expansion of its exhibition space it was reopened. In 1984, because of some internal difficulties, once more it was closed and again reopened in 1985. And finally on February 4, 2000, it was opened for the fifth time, after its renovation. Reza Abbasi Museum is administrated by Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization.

The collections on display and in storage of this museum belong to a period from the 2nd millenium BC to the early 20th century which corresponds to the end of Qajar period. The displays are arranged chronologically, so visitors can have a chance to observe the development of art, culture and technology during this time interval. This setup has made the Reza Abbasi Museum unique between other museums in the country, in respect to the Iranian Art History. The objects exhibited in this museum include artifacts made of baked clay, metal and stone from the pre-historic times to pottery and metal objects, textile and lacquer painting belonging to the Islamic period. Other artworks on display in the RAM are paintings on canvas and paper, manuscripts and jewelry from pre-Islamic period, besides art and technology and calligraphy works of the Islamic period.