TEHRAN – An exhibition of centuries-old metalwork has opened to the public at the UNESCO-designated Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran.

The collection of rarely seen objects, being kept at the treasure trove of the major museum, comprises relics dating from the Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras, the director of the World Heritage site said on Monday.

“The exhibition, which was inaugurated today, features a selection of 71 prominent works including swords, daggers, animal figurines, writing utensils, and decorative plates,” Afarin Emami said.

Experts believe that the Golestan Palace exemplifies the architectural and artistic achievements of the Qajar era including the introduction of European motifs and styles into Persian art.

The royal complex was once the official residence of the Qajar monarchs who ruled the country between 1789 and 1925. It displays a remarkable mixture of ancient Persian and contemporary European architectural styles, which characterized much of Iranian art in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Visitors may simply spend half a day admiring several key structures that make up the palace, including lots of spectacular halls, chambers, museums, and gardens. All of them were built during the rule of the Qajar monarchs.

AM