Ghasr-e Ayeneh Mansion (Mirror Palace)

The Ghasr-e Ayeneh Mansion (Mirror Palace), also known as the Museum of Mirror and Lighting and the Cultural Museum Center of Light and Lighting, is one of the historical and cultural attractions of Yazd in Yazd Province. It stands on Ayatollah Kashani Street, opposite Haft-Tir Park. The mansion was built in 1320 SH (1941 CE) on the orders of Sarrafzadeh, a well-known Yazd merchant, as a private guesthouse. After the Islamic Revolution it changed use and became a museum in 1377 SH (1998 CE). This historic building was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 4 Mordad 1378 SH (26 July 1999) under registration number 2400. The museum building sits like a pavilion in a lush garden of about 8,174 square meters, with a built area of about 837 square meters. The combination of the garden, the central pool and the historic mansion creates a pleasant setting, and a visit offers a chance to learn about part of Yazd's architectural and cultural heritage.

The mansion's most distinctive feature is its blend of Iranian and European architecture and its eye-catching decoration. Delicate mirror work, artistic stucco, wall paintings, latticed wooden doors and windows, and stained glass give the interior a distinctive look. Among the sights of the complex are the rooms facing the pool, the shahneshin (raised royal alcove), the spring sitting room, the interlinked corridors and the hoz-khaneh (pool room). The hoz-khaneh, with its stone pool and special decoration, is one of the mansion's signature spaces, and hosts art exhibitions throughout the year, such as photography, calligraphy and painting. The museum's exhibition halls display a collection of historical and cultural objects, including lamps that burned various fuels, mirrors, manuscripts, coins, stamps, weapons, old locks and examples of Lorestan bronzes. The museum's sections go by names such as Revaq-e Atigh, Khamseh, Nur, Farang, Meshkat, Makhmal, Manzar, Ayeneh and Abgun. Besides its historical and architectural value, the complex, with its cultural, educational and research activities, also appeals to those interested in history, art and the evolution of lighting devices. A visit to the museum usually takes one to two hours.

To reach the Ghasr-e Ayeneh Mansion, follow Ayatollah Kashani Street toward Haft-Tir Park; the entrance is opposite the park, and you can get there by private car or public transport. Since the museum is within the city, it can be visited on most days of the year. However, autumn, winter and the mild days of spring are more pleasant for exploring Yazd and visiting its other historical attractions at the same time. It is best to check the museum's opening hours and visiting conditions before you go. During your visit, you can help protect this valuable heritage by keeping quiet in the exhibition areas, not touching historical objects or the building's decoration, and keeping to the designated routes. Keeping the garden and surrounding grounds clean and respecting the cultural atmosphere of the complex also helps preserve its beauty for future visitors.