The Chehel Sotun museum, a small yet fascinating establishment that opened its doors in 1978, boasts an impressive collection of manuscripts, pottery, inlaid and marquetry artworks, traditional costumes, and exquisite Persian china. The artifacts displayed in the Throne Hall are a permanent feature, while the exhibits in the smaller adjacent rooms vary periodically. Among the museum’s most treasured items are the Koran that once hung above the palace entrance, a replica of the agreement between Imam Ali and the Christians, a door from the Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din in Ardabil along with the restored cap of this esteemed Sufi, a gilded amulet on deer skin that belonged to Amir Kabir (though it evidently could not save him from being murdered in Kashan), and the original wooden minbar from the Royal Mosque.
One of the museum’s most extraordinary pieces is a stucco window, originally from Darb-e Imam. This beautifully carved plaster window adorned with stained glass is considered one of the artistic highlights of Esfahan. Unfortunately, it is not on public display and remains in the museum’s storage area.
The Chehel Sotun garden is equally enchanting and forms part of the museum complex. Several historical structures from Esfahan have been relocated here for preservation. This includes the portal of the Qotbiyeh Mosque and the portal of Darb-e Kushk. Additionally, four column bases featuring figures of humans and lions, which marked the corners of a large pool, have been moved from the now-demolished Sarpushideh Palace. Another notable relic here is a dried plane tree, the last remnant of the Bagh-e Zereshk.
