Golestan Palace

The former royal palace complex of the Qajar dynasty in the heart of Tehran, inside the old Arg (citadel). Its oldest parts date from the Safavid period (16th–17th centuries); the Qajar shahs, who made Tehran their capital in 1786, rebuilt and expanded it through the 19th century. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2013 as the finest example of Qajar art and architecture, blending Persian craft with European influences.

A walled garden with 17 structures around it: the Marble Throne terrace (Takht-e Marmar, 1806), the Hall of Mirrors (Talar-e Ayeneh), the Reception Hall (Talar-e Salam) where the Peacock Throne is kept, the Brilliant Hall (Talar-e Berelian), the Shams-ol-Emareh ("Edifice of the Sun", 1867), the tallest building of its day in Tehran, the Wind Towers building (Emarat-e Badgir), the Diamond Hall, the Karim Khani Nook, the Pond House, the Museum of Gifts and the anthropology museum in the Abyaz Palace.

In central Tehran at Panzdah-e Khordad Square, next to the Grand Bazaar and the National Garden. The nearest metro station is Panzdah-e Khordad (Line 1). Opening days, hours and ticket prices change; check the palace's own site or Tehran's cultural heritage office before visiting.

Both Pahlavi shahs were crowned here: Reza Shah in 1926 and Mohammad Reza Shah in 1967. Naser al-Din Shah's 19th-century additions brought European-style halls and the first photography studio in Iran. After 1979 it became a museum complex; its UNESCO listing in 2013 was Iran's 16th World Heritage inscription.

As a rule, yes, as a museum complex, except on certain religious holidays and during national mourning periods, when museums close. Artesh does not track opening hours; the latest news about the palace from Iranian and international outlets is listed above.