Niavaran Palace Complex

The Niavaran Palace Complex, located in the Niavaran Garden in the Shemiranat district of Tehran, Iran, is one of the city’s famous attractions. Situated in the northeastern part of the garden, it was one of the last royal residences in Iran. The palace, encompassing nearly 11 hectares and surrounded by the Alborz Mountains, was originally the summer retreat of the Qajar monarchs before becoming the summer residence of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s family. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the palace was converted into a historical museum open to the public.

The history of Niavaran Palace dates back to the Pahlavi era, with significant changes made during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. In 1958, the Qajar-era Fath Ali Shah’s palace was demolished, and the current Niavaran Palace was constructed. Initially designed to entertain foreign guests, it later became the residence of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s family and was completed in 1967.

The architecture of the Niavaran Palace is modern and simple yet sophisticated. The two-and-a-half-story building covers approximately 9,000 square meters and features a unique movable aluminum roof, which is occasionally opened for visitors. The palace still houses all the original furnishings, decorations, and valuable artworks from Iranian and international artists, preserving the legacy of its royal past.