One of the most remarkable and beautiful works in Isfahan is Museum of Decorative Arts. Historical background of Museum of Decorative Arts dates back to the Safavi era and contains a fascinating architectural and artistic attraction.
Another name of Museum of Decorative Arts is the "Rakibkhaneh" or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Museum of arts comprises a collection of works of art in various fields, preserved today at the Rakibekhaneh (where the old Chahar Bagh Palace was located in past) and various exhibitions held at the museum on different occasions, most of them is in the field of Islamic art. Calligraphy and painting are some of best works that you can see in this museum.
The name Rakib means "horse accessories", and since on the Safavi era this place has been the site of royal stables and horse related industry, it has become known as "Rakibhane".
This beautiful building has a courtyard surrounded by beautiful greenery with beautiful trees. In the middle and around this rectangular courtyard there are many halls and rooms. The building also has upper floors, and to the right of the eastern corner is a tower with old beauty that has been used for a variety of purposes in addition to its use as a pyramid.
The Shah-neshin room, which is now the museum's office, has the architecture and stucco, and especially a beautiful mirror-work. Its upper floors now serve as the administrative part of the museum. The museum contains more than 3000 historical objects, especially from Safavi and Qajar era. These objects are beautifully sitting and waiting for you to take a look at them. The museum also has a specialized library that is used by students, especially students of architecture, art and museums.
Geography of the Museum of Fine Arts
In the center of Isfahan and close to famous buildings such as Ashraf Hall, Chehelston Palace, historical houses in Isfahan, Aali Qapu and Tohid Khaneh, the Rakibkhaneh historical building is located as one of the oldest textural monuments in the early 11th century. Rakibkhaneh were built in the reign of Shah Abbas I as one of the buildings of the "Safavi State complex”. According to its name "Rakibkhaneh"; was a place for storing equestrian appliances and government stalls.
Kianpour boutique hotel is only 2.6 km away from this place. By staying at our luxury hotel in Isfahan you would have be in close proximity of most of Isfahan’s monuments.
History of Isfahan Museum of Arts
After the end of the Safavi ruling, the abandoned "Rakibkhaneh" mansion was rebuilt and later in the Qajar era by the order of "Haj Mohammad Hussein Khan Sadr Isfahani", Chancellor of Fath Ali Shah. During the reign of Massoud Mirza Zeleh Sultan, after making repairs and extensions that were compatible with other reconstructions of that time, was assigned as the ruler's residence. During the Pahlavi era, the Isfahan Bureau of Statistics and Settlements worked at this building. Due to new usage some small changes were made to the building, especially to its western front.
After the Revolution, the "Rakibkhaneh" was thoroughly renovated, and after reconstruction it was mandated that objects in the Tehran Museum of Arts and other ancient objects be transferred to Isfahan and be public in this building. In the summer, decorative treasures were officially inaugurated and put into operation.
As it was mentioned before, because this museum and monument is only 2.6 km away from our traditional house accommodation in Isfahan; you can take a walk, call foe a cab, rent bike or use other types of public transportation such as bus etc. in order to get there.
Other programs of Museum of Decorative Arts
These programs include holding various art exhibitions, holding meetings, congresses, lectures and specialized meetings, holding special events and commemorations, and so on.
In general, the museum's activities are the setting up of various art exhibitions. The setting up of each exhibition has special conditions and characteristics. Famous professors throughout the city, province, or country organize exhibitions based on museum invitations and museum announcements.
Seven sections of the museum
1. Line and book
2. Lacquer and oil paintings
3. Miniature painting
4. Wooden works
5. Metal Works
6. Handicrafts and glassware
7. Pottery and porcelain
In Wooden works section of the Museum of Arts, you will see fine works and carvings on wood. Metalwork Collection section includes gold and silver ornaments, belt and waist hooks, prayer frames, cans, locks and pens, scallops, mirror frames, gunpowder, sniffer, sunshine and pelvis, incense burner, goggles, dagger, scissors and knives, etc., made in various ways of lattice, casting, hammering, tapestry and rattan and decorated with precious stones.
In handicrafts and glassware section, different and unique textiles from the Qajar era are displayed. These works have often been woven into the major Iranian knitting centers of Isfahan, Yazd, Kerman, and Kashan.
In pottery and porcelain section, beautiful works of engraved crystals with added items, different types of glass of perfume, cups and so on have been placed for visiting.