Baharestan Mansion

The Baharestan Mansion, also known as the Baharestan Palace and today often called the Constitution Building, is one of Tehran's important historical buildings. It stands on the eastern side of Baharestan Square, in Tehran Municipality District 12. Construction of the mansion began in the Qajar period on the orders of Mirza Hossein Khan Sepahsalar, the prime minister of Naser al-Din Shah, and it was part of the historic Baharestan Garden complex. The complex originally included a garden, residential mansions and other buildings, created to give Tehran a grand and impressive space. After Sepahsalar's death and amid the political changes of the time, the Baharestan Mansion gradually came to be used for government purposes. After the victory of the Constitutional Revolution, it became the meeting place of the National Consultative Assembly (Majlis). The building was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 3 Khordad 1357 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 1605.

The importance of the Baharestan Mansion is not limited to its Qajar architecture. The building is closely tied to one of the most important periods in Iran's political history: the Constitutional Movement and the formation of the legislative assembly. Over the course of history, the building witnessed major events, including the bombardment of the Majlis in 1287 (Solar Hijri) and several fires, and it was restored after suffering extensive damage. The architecture of the mansion combines Iranian styles with European architectural influences, and parts of the historic Baharestan complex are devoted to the Majlis library, document centre and museum. The Majlis Museum holds historical documents, photographs, works of art and mementos from the history of legislation and of influential figures in Iran. However, it is not always possible to visit every part of the complex, and entry to some sections is subject to the rules and restrictions of the Majlis complex.

To reach the Baharestan Mansion you can use the metro, a bus or a taxi; Baharestan Square metro station on Line 2 is one convenient way to get to the complex. Since the area lies within Tehran's traffic restriction zone and parking is difficult, using public transport is recommended. Spring and autumn, thanks to their more pleasant weather, are good times to stroll around this historic part of Tehran, although visiting the building and its museums depends on opening hours and the permits required on the day of your visit. Before going, it is best to get up-to-date information about access and the conditions for visiting the Majlis Museum. While visiting, following the complex's regulations, respecting the surroundings of the administrative and historic buildings, and protecting the cultural artefacts will help preserve this valuable heritage.