Located within the historic (Bagh-e Ferdows) in Tehran’s Shemiran district, near Valiasr Street and Tajrish Square, the Cinema Museum of Iran is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and showcasing the rich heritage of Iranian cinema. Housed in a magnificent Qajar-era mansion and surrounded by a lush 12,000-square-meter garden, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history, achievements, and cultural significance of Iran’s film industry.
History of Bagh-e Ferdows
The origins of Ferdows Garden date back to the Qajar era. Construction of the northern mansion began in 1264 AH by order of Mohammad Shah Qajar but remained unfinished following his death. During the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, the garden was presented as a wedding gift to one of his daughters and subsequently underwent further development.
Throughout its history, Bagh-e Ferdows has served various cultural and educational functions. During the Pahlavi era, it hosted artistic events, cultural festivals, and national celebrations. In the twentieth century, the complex also functioned as an educational institution before becoming an important cultural landmark in Tehran.
Establishment of the Museum
The Cinema Museum of Iran was established in 1994 with the mission of collecting, preserving, and presenting the historical legacy of Iranian cinema. Initially located on Lalehzar Street, the museum was relocated to Bagh-e Ferdows in 2002 by presidential decree. Prominent cultural figures, including Ezzatollah Entezami and Abbas Kiarostami, played significant roles in supporting the museum’s development and vision.
Architecture
The museum occupies an elegant historic mansion distinguished by its Qajar-era architectural character. The building features decorative plasterwork, graceful columns, ornate ceilings, and carefully preserved architectural details. Restoration and conservation efforts have ensured the protection of this valuable heritage site while adapting it to its role as a modern museum and cultural center.
Exhibition Halls and Collections
Pioneers Hall
This hall introduces visitors to the early history of cinema in Iran through historic film equipment, photographs, documents, and portraits of the country's cinematic pioneers.
Sound and Dubbing Hall
Dedicated to the history of sound recording and dubbing in Iran, this section displays vintage equipment, archival materials, and artifacts associated with leading figures of the industry, including Ali Kasmai, widely recognized as the father of Iranian dubbing.
Contemporary Cinema Hall
One of the museum’s most prominent sections, this hall features more than 990 portraits of influential figures in Iranian cinema, alongside stage and costume designs, production materials, photographs, and memorabilia. Special displays honor distinguished filmmakers, actors, and artists who have contributed to the development of contemporary Iranian cinema.
International Awards Hall
This gallery showcases prestigious international awards and distinctions earned by Iranian cinema at major global film festivals. Visitors can also view posters, photographs, and archival materials related to internationally acclaimed Iranian films.
Historic Cinema Exhibition
This exhibition preserves valuable artifacts from the early decades of Iranian cinema, including historic posters, photographs, documents, and memorabilia dating back to the 1930s and 1940s.
Ali Hatami Hall
Dedicated to the celebrated filmmaker Ali Hatami, this hall presents personal memorabilia, sculptures, costumes, documents, and recreated filmmaking and editing environments associated with his work.
Hall of Iranian Cinema Legends
This section honors some of the most influential figures in Iranian cinema, recognizing their enduring contributions to the country's artistic and cultural heritage.
Farhad House
A tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter Farhad Mehrad, featuring personal belongings, musical instruments, books, photographs, and archival materials accompanied by selections from his music.
Children’s Cinema Exhibition
Highlighting the achievements of filmmakers, actors, and productions that have shaped Iranian children's cinema.
Sacred Defense Cinema Exhibition
Dedicated to films and productions inspired by the Iran-Iraq War, this exhibition explores the role of cinema in documenting and interpreting this significant period of contemporary Iranian history.
Recreated Historic Theater
Visitors can experience the atmosphere of Iranian cinemas from the 1930s and 1940s through a recreated theater space featuring historic furnishings and authentic cinematic elements from the era.
Cinema Halls
The museum complex includes several modern screening venues that regularly host film screenings, festivals, educational programs, and cultural events:
- Ferdows Hall – 109 seats
- Tamaddon Hall – 52 seats
- Cinematograph Hall – 205 seats
Preserving the Legacy of Iranian Cinema
Today, the Cinema Museum of Iran stands as one of the country's foremost cultural institutions. Through its extensive collections, exhibitions, archives, and educational activities, the museum preserves the memory of generations of filmmakers, actors, writers, musicians, and artists whose work has shaped the history of Iranian cinema. By combining historical architecture, cultural heritage, and contemporary programming, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive and engaging journey through more than a century of cinematic achievement.