Isfahan Music Museum
A privately-run museum showcasing over 300 traditional Iranian musical instruments with live performances by passionate students.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guides are often students, available after classes.
Isfahan Music Museum
Best Time
Guides are often students, available after classes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A privately-run museum showcasing over 300 traditional Iranian musical instruments with live performances by passionate students.
"It's a living story of Iranian heritage told through the hands and hearts of young musicians."
🎯 Don't Miss the Performance!
The live music is a highlight! Guides often perform for visitors.
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
Though pricier than some sites, the interactive experience is highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Iranian Instruments
Main exhibition halls
Discover over 300 traditional instruments from across Iran and beyond, each with a story.
Live Musical Performances
Performance area
Experience soulful renditions of Persian music played live by talented local students.
Armenian Music Museum
New Julfa district
Explore the distinct sounds and instruments of Armenian music in Isfahan's historic Armenian quarter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Museum
An Interactive Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Performance!
The live music is a highlight! Guides often perform for visitors. +1
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
Though pricier than some sites, the interactive experience is highly recommended.
📍 Basement Location
It's in a basement arcade, so look carefully behind Hesht Behsht Palace.
📸 Capture the Moment
Guides encourage photos and videos during instrument demonstrations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Performance!
The live music is a highlight! Guides often perform for visitors. +1
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
Though pricier than some sites, the interactive experience is highly recommended.
📍 Basement Location
It's in a basement arcade, so look carefully behind Hesht Behsht Palace.
📸 Capture the Moment
Guides encourage photos and videos during instrument demonstrations.
🎶 Explore Armenian Music
Visit the Armenian Music Museum in New Julfa for a different cultural soundscape. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Isfahan Music Museum for its heartfelt and interactive experience, highlighting the passionate guides and soulful live music performances. While the entrance fee is on the higher side, the unique cultural immersion and the opportunity to connect with young musicians make it a highly recommended and memorable visit. Some note the museum's slightly hidden basement location as a minor challenge.
"A Beautiful and Heartfelt Experience
Visiting the Isfahan Music Museum was one of the most touching and unique moments of my trip. The museum beautifully showcases a wide range of traditional instruments from different regions and cultures of Iran.
What made the experience truly special was the host — a talented university student who guided us through the museum with passion and knowledge. She gave us a private performance on three different instruments, along with her friend, who is also a student. Their music was soulful and deeply moving.
This museum is more than just a collection — it’s a living story of Iranian heritage told through the hands and hearts of young musicians. They deserve every bit of support and appreciation.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Isfahan and wanting to connect with its cultural soul."
Ahmad Al-Shubaily
"We visited the museum on Friday, September 13th, 2024. The young lady, a student of the music conservatory, showed us all three halls filled with music instruments, explained in detail what they were and where they came from, what they were used for, and presented the sounds of most of them. When we finished the exhibition, she and other students invited us to a half an hour long concert of classic Persian music. It was an experience one of a kind! We were all extremely moved by their talents and performance, and by the music itself.
It is great to see such young people being engaged in beautiful initiative and doing wonderful work for the tradition of their country.
I do admire both their talent and commitment!
Thank you very much for this amazing experience."
An Du
"While it took a bit of finding since it is in the basement level of the arcade behind the Hesht Behsht Palace, it was worth not giving up.
The museum is privately owned and is truly a labor of love. It took 20 years to amass what is a superb collection of musical instruments.
For those who are not avid museum goers, don’t miss this one. It isn’t your usual format of musical instruments that are displayed with long descriptions. The guide actually picks up the instruments and plays them for you while you take a picture or video. Wish more museums were interactive and cared about making it a memorable experience.
At the end, you are treated to a musical performance.
Isfahan is a charming and mesmerizing city and this museum is an admirable addition with private efforts and to a truly high standard.
Thank you for making my day and trip even more special."
Wael Lawati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the basement of an arcade behind the Hesht Behsht Palace. It can be a bit tricky to find, so keep an eye out for signs or ask locals for directions.
Isfahan has a decent public transport system, but the museum's specific location might require a short walk or a taxi ride from the nearest bus stop. It's best to check local transport apps for the most direct routes.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Naqsh-e Jahan Square, allowing you to see more of Isfahan's beautiful architecture along the way.
The Armenian Music Museum is located in the New Julfa district. It's easily accessible by taxi or a leisurely walk if you're exploring the area.
Parking in the historic center of Isfahan can be challenging. It's often easier to use taxis or ride-sharing services, or to park further away and walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 500,000 rials (around 3.3 Euros), which is considered one of the higher prices for attractions in Iran, but many visitors find it well worth the cost.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their social media or contact them directly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is typically open in the afternoons. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit, as they may depend on student availability for performances.
Information on specific fees for the Armenian Music Museum is less readily available, but it's generally a good idea to budget for entry fees for most cultural sites in Isfahan.
Discounts are not widely advertised, but it's always worth inquiring upon arrival, especially for students or groups.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
You'll see a vast collection of over 300 traditional Iranian musical instruments. Guides, often students, will demonstrate how they sound and play them for you, often culminating in a short concert. +1
Yes, it's highly interactive! Guides actively play the instruments, encouraging photos and videos, making it a memorable experience. +1
Absolutely! A highlight is the live performance of classic Persian music by talented local students, which is deeply moving. +1
Yes, photography and videography are generally encouraged, especially during the instrument demonstrations.
The Armenian Music Museum in New Julfa showcases Armenian musical heritage with unique instruments and a distinct cultural atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of the instruments, the passionate musicians playing them, and the unique architecture of the museum itself offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, photography and videography are permitted and even encouraged, especially when guides are demonstrating the instruments.
The halls filled with diverse instruments, the performance area during a concert, and the intricate details of the museum's decor are all highly photogenic.
Focus on close-ups of the instruments, candid shots of the musicians, and wider shots that show the collection's scale and the museum's ambiance. +1
Drone photography is generally restricted in many public and historical areas in Iran. It's best to avoid using drones without explicit permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive in the afternoon when student guides are more likely to be available. Be prepared for the entrance fee, which is a bit higher but offers significant value. Encourage your children to ask questions and interact with the guides. The visual appeal of the instruments and the lively music can make it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
The highlight for music lovers will undoubtedly be the live demonstrations and performances. Hearing these instruments played by skilled musicians, often with personal anecdotes and explanations, offers a profound connection to the music's cultural significance. Don't miss the chance to witness the artistry and dedication of these young performers.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Allocate at least 1-2 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the instrument demonstrations and the live performance. It offers a concentrated dose of Iranian culture and artistry, making it a highly rewarding stop for any day-tripper looking for an authentic experience without consuming an entire day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Iranian Music
Visitors often rave about the personal touch provided by the guides. They frequently offer a private performance, showcasing the soulful melodies of Persian music on instruments like the santur, tar, and setar. This intimate concert experience is frequently cited as a highlight, leaving a lasting emotional impact on guests. It’s a testament to the dedication of these young musicians who are preserving and promoting their cultural legacy.
The museum's location in a basement arcade behind the Hesht Behsht Palace adds to its charm, making it feel like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. While the entrance fee might be higher than some other attractions, the unique, interactive, and heartfelt experience offered here is widely considered to be well worth the investment for anyone seeking an authentic cultural connection in Isfahan.
Exploring Armenian Musical Heritage
+1Visitors can expect to find a collection of instruments and artifacts that tell the story of Armenian music. This provides a fascinating contrast and complement to the broader Iranian musical landscape. The New Julfa area itself is rich in history and culture, making a visit to its music museum a rewarding experience for those interested in the diverse heritage of Isfahan.
+1While less frequently highlighted in general travel content, seeking out the Armenian Music Museum offers a chance to delve into a specific cultural niche and appreciate the multicultural fabric of Isfahan. It's a great addition for travelers looking to go beyond the most well-known attractions and discover more specialized cultural insights.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit