History of Moghaddam Museum House

Historical Background of Moghaddam Museum House:

Moghaddam Museum House is one of the prominent examples of historical houses from the Qajar period, built by Mohammad Taqi Khan Ehtesab al-Molk in the late reign of Naser al-Din Shah. Mohammad Taqi Khan entered the court of Naser al-Din Shah at the age of 12 and held important positions such as head of the financial administration, Minister Plenipotentiary of Iran in Switzerland, and head of ceremonial affairs at the court until the reign of Ahmad Shah. He had two children named Hassan and Mohsen, whom he sent to Europe for education from a young age. Hassan, the elder son, completed his studies in the field of social sciences and dramatic literature and became known in Iran for his play "Jafar Khan Comes from France." Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 30 due to tuberculosis.

Mohsen Moghaddam, the sole heir to his father's house, returned to his paternal home after completing his studies in archaeology, painting, and art history in France and marrying Selma Kouyoumjian in 1936. He began working as a professor of archaeology at the University of Tehran. Alongside his academic activities, Professor Moghaddam, due to his interest in culture and art, acquired and collected numerous valuable artifacts. Many of these precious works, including tiles, mirror works, stone carvings, and other architectural decorations inspired by traditional and historical spaces, were installed remarkably throughout this old mansion. Additionally, he preserved a special collection of textiles, ceramics, glassware, coins, beads, and historical documents in an orderly and organized manner in his paternal home.

In 1972, Mohsen Moghaddam, an outstanding professor at the University of Tehran, with his immense passion for knowledge, history, and art, donated his paternal house along with the collected valuable artifacts to the University of Tehran.

In 1987, after the death of Professor Mohsen Moghaddam, and following the death of his spouse in 1990, the stewardship of Moghaddam Museum House was transferred to the University of Tehran.

Moghaddam Museum House was officially inaugurated as a public museum in 2009. One of its prominent features is the relative architectural harmony with the existing historical artifacts within it. The museum encompasses an area of 2,117 square meters and consists of three main courtyards: the outer courtyard, inner courtyard, and caretaker's quarters, along with winter and summer buildings.