The juxtaposition of modern and classical attractions, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the
magnificent palaces is among the main reasons that travelers cannot resist visiting Tehran, the capital of
Iran. One of those classical sightseeing is Niavaran Palace, last Pahlavi Shah’s and Empress' resident.
The cultural and historical complex of Niavaran is located in a charming garden in an eleven hectares area
, with three main handsome monuments (Niavaran palace, Sahebqaraniye Palace and Glorious Ahmad
Shahi Pavilion) which was built in the closing days of the Qajar period.
Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, is a two-storied building, consisting of a hall with a marble pond at the center
surrounded by rooms and corridors at the ground floor and a central hall with a four sided porch at the
second floor. Also, the well-formed wooden shelves of the second floor, have been installed all
around the main walls to miraculously echo the sounds of noble music instruments played by
Iranian talented musicians. Ahmad Shahi pavilion after a restoration and interior additions was
utilized as the residence and office of Reza Pahlavi. The palace’s walls were also renovated
during the Cultural Heritage Week in the year 2000.