Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art — Attraction in Tehran

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, (Persian: موزه هنرهای معاصر تهران), also known as TMoCA, is among the largest art museums in Iran. It has collections of more than 3,000 items that include 19th and 20th century's world-class European and American paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures. TMoCA also has one of the greatest collections of Iranian modern and contemporary art. The museum was inaugurated by Empress Farah Pahlavi in 1977, just two years before the 1979 Revolution.1] TMoCA is considered to have the most valuable collections of modern Western masterpieces outside Europe and North America.[2] According to Farah Pahlavi, the former Empress of Iran, the idea for this museum happened when she was in conversation with artist Iran Darroudi during a gallery opening in the 1970s and Darroudi mentioned she wished there was a place to show work more permanently.[3] The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art museum was supposed to be a place to show contemporary and modern Iranian artist along side with other international artists doing similar work.[3]

The museum was designed by Iranian architect and cousin of the queen, Kamran Diba, who employed elements from traditional Persian architecture.[4] It was built adjacent to Laleh Park, Tehran, and was inaugurated in 1977.[5] The building itself can be regarded as an example of contemporary art, in a style of an underground New York Guggenheim Museum.[6] Most of the museum area is located underground with a circular walkway that spirals downwards with galleries branching outwards.[6] Western sculptures by artists such as Ernst, Giacometti, Magritte and Moore can be found in the museum's gardens.[6]

The selection of the art was done under Farah Pahlavi and the budget was from the National Iranian Oil Company.[3] Pahlavi personally met many of the artists who's work was part of the museum collection, including the Western artists; Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Henry Moore, Paul Jenkins, Arnaldo Pomodoro.[3] Some people involved in the process of selecting art included two were Americans, Donna Stein and David Galloway, Kamran Diba, the architect and director of the museum, and Karimpasha Bahadori, who was the chief of staff of the cabinet.[3]

After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Western art was stored away in the museums vault until 1999 when the first post-revolution exhibition was held of western art showing artists such as Hockney, Lichtenstein, Rauschenburg and Andy Warhol.[6] Now pieces of the Western art collection are shown for a few weeks every year but due to the current conservative nature of the Iranian establishment, most pieces will never be shown.[6]

It is considered to have the most valuable collection of Western modern art outside Europe and the United States, a collection largely assembled by founding curators David Galloway and Donna Stein under the patronage of Farah Pahlavi.[7 It is said that there is approximately £2.5 billion worth of modern art held at the museum.[9] The museum hosts a revolving program of exhibitions and occasionally organizes exhibitions by...

According to Farah Pahlavi, the former Empress of Iran, the idea for this museum happened when she was in conversation with artist Iran Darroudi during a gallery opening in the 1970s and Darroudi mentioned she wished there was a place to show work more permanently.The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art museum was supposed to be a place to show contemporary and modern Iranian artist alongside other international artists doing similar work. The museum was designed by Iranian architect and cousin of the queen, Kamran Diba, who employed elements from traditional Persian architecture.It was built adjacent to Laleh Park, Tehran, and was inaugurated in 1977.The building itself can be regarded as an example of contemporary art, in a style of an underground New York Guggenheim Museum.Most of the museum area is located underground with a circular walkway that spirals downwards with galleries branching outwards.Western sculptures by artists such as Ernst, Giacometti, Magritte and Moore can be found in the museum's gardens. The selection of the art was done under Farah Pahlavi and the budget was from the National Iranian Oil Company.Pahlavi personally met many of the artists whose work was part of the museum collection, including the Western artists Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Henry Moore, Paul Jenkins, Arnaldo Pomodoro.Some people involved in the process of selecting art were the Americans, Donna Stein and David Galloway, and Kamran Diba, the architect and director of the museum, and Karimpasha Bahadori, who was the chief of staff of the cabinet. After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Western art was stored away in the museums vault until 1999 when the first post-revolution exhibition was held of western art showing artists such as David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.Now pieces of the Western art collection are shown for a few weeks every year but due to the current conservative nature of the Iranian establishment, most pieces will never be shown. It is considered to have the most valuable collection of Western modern art outside Europe and the United States, a collection largely assembled by founding curators David Galloway and Donna Stein under the patronage of Farah Pahlavi.It is said that there is approximately £2.5 billion worth of modern art held at the museum.The museum hosts a revolving program of exhibitions and occasionally organizes exhibitions by...

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) is an absolute must-visit for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in modern and contemporary art. Located in Laleh Park, this museum houses one of the most valuable collections of Western and Iranian modern art in the world, making it a cultural gem in the Middle East.

Architecture & Atmosphere

The architecture of the museum is a masterpiece itself. Designed by Kamran Diba, the building is a perfect blend of Persian and modernist design, with influences from traditional wind towers (Badgir) and underground qanat systems. The interior spiral structure of the museum, inspired by the Guggenheim Museum in New York, adds to the uniqueness of the experience, leading visitors on a seamless journey through the various exhibitions.

Art Collection & Exhibitions

The museum houses an incredible collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations from renowned artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Pollock, Warhol, and Rothko. The permanent collection is considered one of the most valuable outside of Europe and North America, and it also showcases stunning works by Iranian modernist artists.

In addition to its permanent collection, TMoCA regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Iranian and international artists, making each visit a new experience.

Best Time to Visit & Facilities • The museum is best visited in the morning, as it allows for a peaceful and immersive experience. • Located inside Laleh Park, it offers a great opportunity to relax in nature after visiting the museum. • The museum has a gift shop with books, prints, and souvenirs, as well as a café where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Final Thoughts

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art is not just a museum; it’s an experience of art, history, and architecture. Whether you are an art connoisseur or just curious about modern art in Iran, this museum is a cultural treasure that shouldn’t be missed. Highly...