Every year, May 18 is commemorated as International Museum Day, a date that highlights the vital role of museums in preserving the invaluable historical and cultural treasures of humanity. On this occasion, we introduce one of Iran’s most cherished cultural institutions: the Carpet Museum of Iran—an institution dedicated to the art and history of Persian carpet weaving and a major guardian of this cultural heritage.
History of the Carpet Museum of Iran
The Carpet Museum of Iran was established in the 1970s. Its building, located on the northern side of Tehran’s Laleh Park, was initially constructed in the 1960s as an unfinished carpet gallery but remained abandoned for nearly 15 years. In early 1977, the building was completed and refurbished, and on February 11, 1978, the museum officially opened its doors to the public.
With the inauguration of this treasure in Tehran, Iran and the world witnessed the creation of the first specialized carpet museum, home to a priceless and unique collection. The museum was established with the aim of researching the history, evolution, and artistic quality of carpets—particularly Persian carpets. It is operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, and since its founding, it has served as a sanctuary for the masterpieces of Persian carpet weaving.
Architecture and Structure of the Carpet Museum of Iran
Architecturally, the Carpet Museum of Iran is itself a significant work of art. The building was designed by renowned architect Abdol-Aziz Farmanfarmaian. Constructed on a 12,000 square meter plot, the museum has a built-up area of about 3,400 square meters. The building’s exterior is inspired by the form of a traditional carpet loom, with columns and ornaments resembling the warp threads of a weaving frame.
The museum consists of two exhibition halls: the ground floor is dedicated to the permanent display of handwoven carpets, while the upper floor is reserved for temporary and seasonal exhibitions. This dual-level design allows for simultaneous presentation of the museum’s core collection alongside rotating displays. With appropriate lighting and an open interior space, visitors can closely observe the intricate details of the exhibited carpets.
Masterpieces in the Carpet Museum of Iran
The museum’s collection includes some of the rarest and most exquisite hand woven Persian carpets. It houses outstanding examples from the 15th century (9th century AH) to the modern era. Around 135 exceptional carpets from Iran’s major weaving centers—such as Kashan, Kerman, Isfahan, Tabriz, Khorasan, Kurdistan, and more—are displayed in the main hall. Each piece represents the regional styles and artistic expressions of master weavers across the country.
One notable example is a Safavid-era masterpiece known globally as the “Sanguszko Carpet,” which features a dark background adorned with fine motifs of real and mythical animals in various postures. At its center, a medallion illustrates a vivid hunting scene, embodying the artistic grandeur of the Safavid period.
Another highlight is a set of pictorial carpets from Tabriz, including miniature rugs inspired by the Baysonghor Shahnameh. These artworks depict scenes from epic literature, mythology, religious themes, and Iranian cultural heritage through the language of weaving. In addition to carpets, several traditional flat-woven kilims are also on display, demonstrating the diversity of Iran’s textile arts. The wide array of colors, patterns, and weaving techniques showcased in the museum provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of Persian carpet art throughout the country.
Cultural and Educational Role of the Museum
The Carpet Museum of Iran is not merely a place to display antique rugs. It functions as a dynamic research and educational institution. One of its core missions is to study the historical background and transformation of Persian carpet-making and to collect diverse samples for scholarly analysis and conservation.
The museum’s specialized library contains about 3,500 volumes in Persian, Arabic, French, English, and German. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts, covering subjects such as carpet history, motifs, weaving techniques, and related arts, offering a rich knowledge base within the museum’s academic environment.
Additionally, the museum maintains its cultural vibrancy through temporary exhibitions and special events. For instance, on its 40th anniversary in 2017, it hosted an exhibition titled Forty Safavid Works, showcasing dozens of Safavid-era carpets, kilims, and textiles from its own and other collections.
Workshops, guided tours for students, and other educational programs further support public awareness of the value of Persian carpet art. In this way, the Carpet Museum of Iran acts as a bridge between past and present—protecting the physical legacy of historical carpets while shedding light on the rich and often overlooked dimensions of Iran’s cultural history.
The Persian Carpet as a Cultural Symbol
The Persian carpet stands as one of the most emblematic representations of Iranian culture and art. With a history stretching back thousands of years, carpet weaving in Iran has become one of the most refined and authentic forms of craftsmanship globally. The elegance of Persian carpet designs, combined with the skillful weaving, has made these works ambassadors of Iranian culture worldwide.
Traditionally, Persian carpets have been a source of pride in Iranian households, forming an integral part of the domestic landscape. Historical records reveal that Persian carpets adorned the palaces of Achaemenid kings as well as the mosques of the Seljuk and Safavid eras.
Today, Persian carpets are exhibited in major museums around the world, showcasing the aesthetic brilliance and artistic heritage of ancient Iran. International organizations have also recognized their importance: UNESCO has inscribed the traditional skills of carpet weaving in regions such as Kashan and Fars on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This underscores that Persian carpets are more than artistic products—they embody national identity, a rich historical legacy, and the creative spirit of the Iranian people.
The motifs and patterns—from floral arabesques and eslimi curves to mythological figures—each carry cultural messages passed down through generations. Preserving this tradition and supporting its artisans is thus akin to protecting a vital element of global cultural heritage.
A Living Legacy
The Persian carpet is a living heritage that requires both preservation and innovation. The Carpet Museum of Iran plays an irreplaceable role in conserving ancient masterpieces and fostering contemporary cultural engagement. Alongside institutional and governmental efforts, the contribution of Iranian carpet brands is vital in sustaining this art form.
Sahand Carpet, a pioneer in Iran’s machine-made carpet industry with over three decades of experience, integrates authentic Persian designs into its products, helping to promote and preserve carpet weaving traditions. From historical museums to modern producers, all contribute collectively to keeping the art of Persian carpet alive for future generations—ensuring that this invaluable heritage continues to shine at the heart of Iran’s cultural identity and global recognition.
