About the Cinema Museum of Iran
Nestled within the historic setting of Ferdows Garden in northern Tehran, the Cinema Museum of Iran preserves and showcases the rich cinematic heritage of the nation. Originally a Qajar-era mansion transformed into a museum in 2002, the museum offers a uniquely immersive journey through the lifeblood of Iranian cinema, housed in an elegant and serene garden environment.
Our Vision & Mission
The Cinema Museum is dedicated to:
Collecting, preserving, documenting, and presenting artifacts, documents, photographs, and cinematic equipment from Iran's film history.
Acting as a cultural repository and educational resource, guiding current and future generations in appreciating the evolution of Iranian film.
History at a Glance
Ferdows Garden, originally built during the reign of Mohammad-Shah Qajar (1834–1848), has transitioned through eras as a school, arts center, filmmaking school, and finally, since 2002, the home of the Cinema Museum of Iran.
The museum first opened its doors on Lalehzar Street in 1998 and was relocated to its current majestic setting in Ferdows Garden by 2002.
Collections & Exhibitions
The museum’s diverse galleries include:
Blue Hall: Chronicles the cinema’s introduction in Iran, early filmmaking tools, and pioneer figures.
Middle Hall (Contemporaries): Portraits of filmmakers, cinematographers, and designers, along with behind-the-scenes artifacts.
International Hall: Showcases Iranian films' global festival presence and awards.
Sacred Defense Exhibit: Focuses on films from the Iran–Iraq War era.
Other galleries highlight children’s cinema, dubbing and sound, celebrity portraits, the legacy of Ali Hatami, Farhad Mehrad’s memorabilia, historical storytelling traditions, and the Armenian community’s contributions to Iranian cinema.
Overall, the museum holds an impressive archive: approximately 40,000 photographs, 5,000 cinema magazines, 3,000 documents, 2,500 posters, 4,000 scripts, and around 350 vintage filmmaking tools.
Amenities & Visitor Experience
Two traditional cinema halls for daily screenings, discussions, and retrospectives in a historic setting.
A bookshop, DVD store, and cafés located within the garden offer film-related merchandise and a tranquil space to relax.
Why Visit Us?
Experience Iranian cinema’s rich legacy—from silent films and New Wave directors to modern auteurs.
Explore a beautifully preserved Qajar-era mansion set amidst lush gardens—a restful retreat in the heart of Tehran.
Delve into a vast and thoughtfully curated archive of archives, objects, and exhibitions that speak to Iran’s cultural and artistic journey.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Ferdows Garden, Valiasr Street near Tajrish Square, Tehran
Hours: Open Sunday through Friday; typically from 9 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +98-21-22705005 | info@cinemamuseum.ir