The Dar Abad Museum of Nature and Wildlife in Tehran is a vital center for exploring and preserving Iran’s rich natural heritage. Located at the entrance of the Dar Abad area, it is one of the most comprehensive institutions for learning about the country’s wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. The museum covers 2,500 square meters within a 12,000-square-meter site, offering an immersive experience in natural history.
Originally owned by a member of the Pahlavi family, the building was incomplete until 1993 (1372 SH), when the Tehran Municipality purchased it and conducted extensive renovations. Shortly afterward, it was officially established as the Iran Wildlife and Nature Museum, aiming to educate the public on wildlife conservation and natural sciences.
Salon of Northern Species of Iran
This section showcases species native to northwestern Iran, including Armenian rams, deer, Alborz mountain rams, roe deer, Eurasian eagle owls, ring-necked pheasants, flamingos, belugas (over four meters long), and forest species of northern Iran. It also features taxidermy birds and the northeastern urial.
Salon of Central and Southern Species of Iran
Visitors encounter some of Iran’s rarest mammals, including the onager and Asiatic cheetah, both critically endangered. Displays also include caracals, jackals, foxes, hyenas, and reptiles like European glass lizards and snakes. The Eurasian griffon vulture is another highlight in this hall.
Salon of Aquatics and Reptiles
This area features living reptiles and fish, showcasing freshwater and saltwater species from Asia, Africa, South America, and the Persian Gulf. The reptile section includes venomous and semi-venomous snakes found in Iran, along with taxidermy specimens.
Salon of European, Asian, and North American Specimens
This hall presents global species such as moose, chamois, European yellow deer, North American brown bears, Siberian tigers, Bengal tigers, Indian and Sri Lankan peacocks, and pythons—the longest snakes in the world.
Butterflies Salon
This northern hall displays native and non-native insects, including butterflies, spiders, scorpions, and tarantulas. The museum is divided into eight main zones based on animal geography, each featuring distinct species.
Salon of African Specimens
Here, visitors see African mammals and birds, including wild cattle horns, elephant tusks, black rhinoceros, African wild dogs, and leopards.
Geology Section
Explore Earth’s geological eras with dioramas, minerals, and stones, some over a billion years old, highlighting the connection between geology, flora, and fauna.
Botanical Salon
Home to 600 plant species from across Iran, this hall is organized by phytogeographical regions: Hyrcania, Iran-Turani, and Persian Gulf-Omani.
Taxidermy Workshop
The workshop teaches techniques for preserving animals and creating realistic dioramas of their natural habitats, covering birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Museum Library
A hub for research and education in zoology, geology, botany, geography, and environmental science, supporting both public learning and scientific investigation.
6D Cinema: Interactive cinema with shaking, wind, water, and motion effects.
Human Park: Large-scale exhibits of the human body.
Dr. Land: Child-friendly hospital simulation for ages 4–14.
Roya Park: Interactive art park with over 100 creative exhibits.
Dar Abad Observatory: Meteorite and solar observatory for daytime and nighttime celestial observations.
January–June: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
July–December: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
For more information about Iran’s wildlife and natural history, visit the Wikipedia page of the Iran Wildlife and Nature Museum.
