Tehran has been the capital city of Iran for over 200 years. Besides modern structures and skyscrapers It bears important traces of the recent history of Iran. A history which has seen many upheavals and 2 revolutions in just 200 years.
Saadabad Palace Complex is one of the most important historical sights in Iran. The complex is located in the north of Tehran and has been turned into a complex of museums open to the public. You will learn more about this palace in this post.

About Sa’adabad Complex

Sa’dabad Complex is a complex of royal palaces, the oldest of which dates back to 200 years ago. The area occupied by the complex spans for about 180 hectares, on the slopes of Tochal Mountain.

Some of the palaces have been turned into museums which are open to the public. Some palaces are used by Iran’s Government for official and diplomatic meetings and several other purposes.

The complex has 7 gates, and in addition to museums, it also includes other sections. Its radio station still broadcasts live programs. Its sports complex has three tennis courts, a sports park and a billiard hall. It might be interesting for you to know that the complex also has 11 qanats, a library, 7 greenhouses, the centers for music and fine arts, and the Eyvan Attar auditorium.

History of Sa’adabad Complex

The first palaces in of the complex were built during the Qajar period, as the summer resort for Qajar kings. After the coup d’état of 1921, Reza Shah Pahlavi took the possession of this piece of land. Later, more than 18 palaces were built as homes for the members of the extended Pahlavi family. The most recent palace was built for the late princess Leyla Pahlavi, the youngest child of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Sights of Saadabad Complex

You can imagine that an area of about 180 hectares which was mainly used as a residence of the royal family, should have plenty to offer. The area is in fact located in a natural forest, where Jafar Abad river also passes through. In addition to the natural sights where you can take a walk, you can explore palaces turned into museums. Check these out.

The Green Palace

This building dates back to the time of Qajar period, which was built on top of a hill. Reza Shah Pahlavi had the building completed. The green hue of the marble stones used for its construction have contributed to its name. Here you will see a beautiful mirror hall, where a 70-meter-long carpet covers the floor.

The Mellat Museum

Because of the white marble stones covering its façade, this palace is also known as the White Palace. It might be interesting for you to know that the name “Kakhe Sefid” in Farsi is used to refer to the White House. This is the largest palace of the complex which has now become a museum. The exquisite rooms with their designs, and objects of the museum will take your breath away. Guess what? You can look for one of Mary Antoinette’s bureaus here.

Museum of Natural History

The private palace was turned into the Museum of Natural History after the Islamic Revolution. But after some years, the building started to be used by the government, hence closing it to the public.

Museum of Fine Arts

The building of this museum is one of the finest palaces of the complex. The palace was used by the ministry of the court and became the Museum of Fine Arts after the Islamic Revolution. Because of the black marble stones used in its design, it was called the Black Palace.

Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology is located in the Palace of Shams Pahlavi. The museum includes objects which show the development of human beings and lives as well as a collection of Queen Farah’s clothes.

Museum of Glassware and Handicrafts

Saadabad Complex’s museum of handicrafts was at first hosted in Ashraf Pahlavi’s Palace. In 2011, the museum was transferred to the Alireza and Farahnaz Palace. Here you can see some delicate examples of Iranian handicrafts. These include: clay and ceramic objects, glassware, famous paintings by prominent Iranian artists, woodwork, and objects made of metals.

Location of Sa’adabad Complex

Sa’adabad Palace Complex is located in one of the northernmost spots of Tehran, on the foothills of Tochal mountain. The area encompasses about 180 hectares and is located in a natural forest. Springs of water, qanats, a river, greenhouses and streets are also included here. The area is located 1650 to 1800 meters above the sea level. Thanks to its unique location, the complex enjoys a pleasant weather. This is also why the area was chosen as a summer resort in the first place.

Sa’adabad Complex opening hours

The complex is open to visitors every day of the week. It opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5 PM. However, the complex is closed on national and religious mourning days. Make sure to consult your calendar before visiting there.

Sa’adabad Complex entrance fee

Besides the entrance fee for the complex, which is 50,000 tomans for foreign visitors, each museum also charges a separate entrance fee. The entrance fee for all museum, except the Green Palace and Mellat Museum, is 30,000 tomans. The two mentioned palaces and museums charge 50,000 tomans.

Sa’adabad Complex address

To get to the Complex, you need to go to the north of Tehran, between Darband and Jafar Abad neighborhoods. Here is the address:
Saadabad Palace Complex, Taheri Avenue, District 1, Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

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