Museum of the Qasr Prison

Museum of the Qasr Prison was one of the oldest political prisons of Iran located in Tehran. This prison has been turned into a museum since some years ago.

The Museum of the Qasr Prison is one of the historical and cultural centers of Tehran. This museum is situated in one of the oldest palaces of the Qajar era. This old palace was located on the top of a hill and had four watchtowers at the four corners. Qasr means a palace in English. Due to the lack of windows, it was like a military fort instead of a King's palace. There was a balcony above the garden gate that created a beautiful view of the Shemiranat, Tehran, and the other surrounding buildings.
 

This palace had various uses for a long time. Finally, it was completely ruined by Reza Shah and has been turned into a prison. It was the prison of political prisoners after the Iranian Revolution. This prison was changed into the Museum of the Qasr Prison in 2003. Currently, only the Qajar mansion has remained, and the northern lands are at the disposal of the Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Military Court.
 

• Markov Museum

When you enter the Qasr garden, you will see the prison building, which is known as the Markov Museum. This building consists of 192 cells, of which 96 of them has a capacity of five persons, and the other cells are single cells. Nikolai Markov was a Russian architect who was selected by Reza Shah to focus on choosing a suitable place to build a centralized prison. On the right side of the entrance of this building, there is a glassy cell like a pavilion where some old automobiles are kept.
 

• Visiting Information

  It is better to know some information about visiting times.
   
  • You can visit the Museum of the Qasr Prison every day from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
  • You can take a photo and enjoy the moments.  

•  What is the best time to go?

Due to the climate of Tehran, you can visit the Museum of the Qasr Prison during all seasons.

• Getting there?

  Museum of the Qasr Prison is located on Ali Sayad Shirazi Highway, Police Square, Tehran province. You can reach there via private car and public transportation, such as the subway and bus.
   
  • Subway: You should get on the subway train on Line 1 or the Tajrish line and get off at Shahid Mofatteh Subway Station. At the end of Motahhari Street, after Shariati intersection, you will reach the Museum of the Qasr Prison.
     
  • Bus: You should ride the bus on the following routes:
     
    • Emam Khomeini terminal, bus to Moallem Square. Get off at the Museum of the Qasr Prison bus station.
    • Resalat Square terminal, bus of Piche-Shemiran, get off at the Police Square bus station.
    • Resalat Square terminal, bus of Piche-Shemiran, get off at the Police Square bus station.