Malek National Museum and Library

Malek National Museum and Library is a museum and national library in Tehran, Iran. Malek National Library and Museum Institution (MNLMI) is the first private museum of Iran, and one of the six large libraries holding the exquisite manuscripts. The MNLMI collection is a rich trove of the best manuscripts and Iranian historical artworks. The Institution is located in the historical precinct of “Bagh-e Melli”, that is considered the cultural-historical center of Tehran. Usually, the MNLM visitors are numerous university students and researchers, as well as tourists who enjoy its library and museum facilities. It is one of the biggest libraries of precious manuscripts in Iran, built by Hadji Hussein Agha Malek, the richest man in Iran at the time. He built it in a traditional Persian architecture style. One of the biggest contributors is Esat Malek Malek, Hadji Hussein Agha Malek's eldest daughter, who contributed to the museum's development.

Haj Hossein Aqa Malek
Haj Hossein Aqa Malek (1871-1972), the founder and donor of MNLM was born and died in Tehran. In 1908, Haj Hossein Aqa Malek founded a library in Mashhad, which consisted of manuscripts and printed books. Later on, he moved the library to his house located in the area of Tehran Grand Bazaar, and thus provided a free-of-charge access for interested scholars. According to the MNLM deed of endowment, Haj Hossein Aqa Malek had stipulated that MNLM is a non-profit institution aimed at expanding the knowledge among the people. He has also mentioned that his collection would be available to both Iranian and foreign addressees.

Malek National Library and Museum: A Treasure of the Best Historical Artworks
Besides the printed books and historical periodical documents, Malek National Library possesses manuscripts that provide a resource for scholars and students. Malek National Museum also consists of a collection of artworks of the Iranian history - since the first millennium B.C. to the present day.

The facilities and attractions of MNLM
In 1996, the Malek National Library and Museum was moved from Malek’s house, located in the area of Tehran Grand Bazaar, to its present building in the precinct of Bagh-e Melli. The six-story new building has been structured based on the Islamic architecture and arts.

This historical street is well known as the Religions’ Street because of certain buildings located in it, including two churches, a fire temple, as well as a synagogue next to a mosque. Because of its special characteristics, this street is considered as one of the important centers of tourism in Tehran for its daily, domestic, and international visitors. Regarding the urban geography, the existence of Imam Khomeini Central Metro Station, a taxi terminal, as well as two bus terminals located near MNLM, has facilitated the visitors and scholars’ access.