Pearl Palace

The Pearl Palace, also known as Shams Palace, is one of the most distinctive historic buildings and works of modern architecture in Iran. It stands in Mehrshahr, Karaj, in Alborz Province. The palace was built between 1966 and 1968 (1345 to 1347 in the Solar Hijri calendar) on the orders of Shams Pahlavi, the second daughter of Reza Shah. Because of its unique design and architectural value, it was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 12 Bahman 1381 under registration number 7067. The complex was designed by William Wesley Peters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Its overall form was inspired by a stingray and by an oyster enclosing a pearl, which is also where the name "Pearl Palace" comes from. It was built on a site of 111 hectares with a built area of about 2,500 square metres, and is regarded as one of the most important examples of 20th-century modern architecture in Iran.

In its day, the Pearl Palace was among the best-equipped royal residences in Iran. It housed a reception hall, a Golden Hall, a cinema, a billiards room, a swimming pool, a fountain, Shams's private office, the Shell Room, an aviary for rare birds and an artificial lake. A spiral roof with skylights shaped like pearls, a lake surrounding three sides of the palace, and the distinctive design of the interior spaces make the building a rare work in the history of Iranian architecture. Despite its great historical and artistic value, over the past years the palace has suffered serious damage through neglect, ownership disputes and the theft of much of its decoration and furnishings, and its interior is in poor condition. In recent years the grounds have been tidied and landscaped, cultural and Nowruz festivals have been held there, and facilities such as pedal boats on the complex's lake have been provided for visitors. However, access to the interior of the palace is still limited, or depends on restoration work and the plans of the cultural heritage authorities.

To reach the Pearl Palace, simply head to Mehrshahr in Karaj and go to the end of Eram Boulevard. The complex is easy to reach by private car via Shahid Lashkari Highway, as well as by the Karaj Metro and Mehrshahr taxis. The best seasons to visit the palace grounds are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the lush greenery of the complex is at its most beautiful. Before your trip, it is best to check whether the complex is open and which areas can be visited, as visiting conditions may change as restoration progresses. While you are at the historic site, please avoid damaging the greenery, the buildings or the historic features, and by following the principles of nature tourism and responsible travel, help preserve this valuable heritage for future generations.