National Library and Archives of Iran
Iran's premier library and archive, offering vast collections, serene study halls, and cultural exhibitions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seats
National Library and Archives of Iran
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seats

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iran's premier library and archive, offering vast collections, serene study halls, and cultural exhibitions.
"The greatest library in Iran, a motivated space for study and connection."
🎯 Membership Registration
Check the official website for MA/PhD requirements. Annual fee is minimal! :ticket:
📚 Study Hall Rules
General Hall: Bring your books. Special Hall: Library books only. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Study Halls
General and Special Study Halls
Two serene spaces for focused learning, one allowing personal books, the other dedicated to library resources.

Archival Collections
Archives
Discover a vast collection of published works from Iran, offering a deep dive into the nation's literary history.

Exhibition Space
Inside the Library
Explore rotating exhibitions featuring paintings, scripts, and historical books, adding an artistic dimension to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership Essentials
Study Hall Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Membership Registration
Check the official website for MA/PhD requirements. Annual fee is minimal! :ticket:
📚 Study Hall Rules
General Hall: Bring your books. Special Hall: Library books only. :books:
🍽️ Dining Options
Warm your own meals or buy Iranian dishes. Cafeteria has cake too! :forkandknife:
🚶♀️ Explore Exhibitions
Don't miss the art, scripts, and old book displays inside. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Membership Registration
Check the official website for MA/PhD requirements. Annual fee is minimal! :ticket:
📚 Study Hall Rules
General Hall: Bring your books. Special Hall: Library books only. :books:
🍽️ Dining Options
Warm your own meals or buy Iranian dishes. Cafeteria has cake too! :forkandknife:
🚶♀️ Explore Exhibitions
Don't miss the art, scripts, and old book displays inside. :art:
📱 Stay Informed
Follow their Telegram channel for event updates. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Library and Archives of Iran as a premier study destination with an affordable membership and a vast collection of Iranian publications. The serene study halls, pleasant green surroundings, and engaging exhibitions are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find public transport access challenging during peak hours.
"It's An Excellent place for study, the greatest library in Iran. All books that are published in Iran must be found here.
Motivated space and people in here that you can join bad connect with them and share academic experiences.
Literally the Membership of the natural library of Iran has some requirements that you can visit on their website.
The membership fee is about one dollar per year :)"
Mir Erfan
"🥇I really love this place, so charming with genuine green landscape, two really quiet halls to read, which one you can bring books and the other one, bringing books is not allowed.
🥈 Also dining area with a huge oven which you could warm up your own meal in aluminum dishes, and also it serves approximately 6 or 7 different Iranian meals which you could buy.
🥇 There are several smoking areas.
🥈 You can borrow 3 books daily and at the end of the day you have to return them.
🥉 If you are PhD or higher degree, you are allowed to stay at night."
Nafis Parvin
"Great to see many students studying in this beautifully established library! Next to the Book Garden ( also love the place where you can find many foreign books translated into Persian), it has a nice floral setting and water!
One needs to register ( I think you need to be MA or PhD students or graduates but all on their website) and pay annual fee ( less than one usd). Access card is issued for the access ( need to physically present yourself).
One of my weekend hung out places, just to read books ( yes they do have English books) or have a piece of cake at the cafeteria. They have amazing exhibitions inside this Library - I love the paintings, scripts and old books just going around and seeing them. Amazing to find how “marriage certificate “ with guarantee if you get divorced!
If you are non Iranian, you may wish to call them in advance to see if you can visit this library in advance."
Yumiko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Traveling by bus or assigned van can be time-consuming, especially during peak hours (around 5-6 PM). It's advisable to check real-time public transport apps for the most efficient routes and schedules to avoid delays.
Information on parking availability is not widely shared, but given its central location, it's recommended to consider public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid potential parking hassles.
Non-Iranian visitors may wish to call in advance to confirm access policies and any specific requirements for international guests.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official website or their Telegram channel for the most up-to-date information on daily and weekly operating times.
While specific accessibility details are not extensively documented online, it's recommended to contact the library directly to inquire about facilities for visitors with disabilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Membership typically requires an MA or PhD degree. You'll need to register in person and pay a small annual fee, which is usually less than one US dollar. Check their website for the most current eligibility criteria.
The membership fee is remarkably low, often costing around one dollar per year, making it very accessible for students and researchers.
Yes, an access card is issued upon successful registration and payment of the membership fee. You will need to present yourself physically to obtain this card.
PhD holders and those with higher degrees are permitted to stay at the library overnight, offering extended research opportunities.
While membership is required for full access and borrowing privileges, it's advisable to contact the library directly to inquire about options for day visits or access to specific exhibitions for non-members.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
The General Hall allows you to bring your own books, while the Special Hall is designated for using the library's collection only. Laptops and papers are permitted in the Special Hall.
Members can borrow up to three books daily. These books must be returned at the end of the day.
Yes, the library does have a collection of English books available for members to read and borrow.
Yes, there is a dining area where you can warm up your own meals or purchase a selection of Iranian dishes. A cafeteria also offers snacks like cake.
The library hosts various exhibitions, including paintings, calligraphy, and displays of old books, offering a cultural and artistic experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The library features a dining area with a large oven for warming personal meals. They also serve approximately 6-7 different Iranian dishes for purchase.
Yes, you can bring your own meals, and there's a dining area with an oven to heat them up.
Yes, there is a cafeteria where you can enjoy a piece of cake or other light refreshments.
While specific menu details aren't provided, Iranian cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly at the dining area for current offerings.
Pricing for the Iranian meals is not specified, but given the affordable membership fee, it's likely to be reasonably priced.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary, especially in study areas and archives. It's best to check with library staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography restrictions.
Generally, photography might be allowed in common areas or exhibition spaces, but often restricted in quiet study zones to maintain a conducive learning environment.
Taking photos of library materials, especially rare or archival items, is usually prohibited to protect them. Always seek permission or adhere to posted guidelines.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited in libraries and archives as the light can damage delicate materials and disturb other patrons.
The exterior architecture, the green landscape, and potentially the exhibition areas might offer good photographic opportunities, provided photography is permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎓 Academics and Researchers
🌍 International Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Membership and Access
For international visitors, it's recommended to contact the library in advance to confirm their visiting policies and any specific documentation needed. The library also maintains a Telegram channel, which is a valuable resource for staying informed about events, exhibitions, and any changes to operating hours or access policies.
Understanding the Study Environments
The Special Hall, on the other hand, is reserved for using the library's own collection. While you cannot bring external books into this area, it is a strictly quiet zone where laptops and papers are allowed. This setup ensures an undisturbed atmosphere for deep concentration, making it suitable for intensive research or academic work. Both halls are situated within a beautifully landscaped area, contributing to a pleasant and motivating study experience.
Beyond Books: Exhibitions and Amenities
For practical needs, the library is well-equipped. There's a dining area that serves a selection of Iranian meals and also provides facilities to warm up your own food. Additionally, a cafeteria is available for lighter refreshments like coffee and cake. For those who need to stay connected or informed, the library maintains a Telegram channel, which is a convenient way to receive updates on events and activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit