Qom Holy Shrine Museum - ( Iran )

Prior to the establishment of the museum in 1314 A.H/1935 A.D the endowed treasures of the sanctuary. Which are now on disply were stored in what was termed "the treasury". The treasury was deemed necessary by the custodians of the sanctuary after a spate a spate of thefts at the end of the safavid period.

The museum`s treasures include various rare Qur`anic manuscripts, the majority of which date from the safavid and Qajar periods. There are however, examples of some very early Qur`ans written in the kufic style. Other scripts in disply include Nackh, Muhaqqaq and Nasta`liq. Some of the Qur`ans have interlinear translation in a different script to that of the main text. This collection gives a fine disply of various styles of illumination and bookbinding.

There is an abundance of interesring objects to be seen among the museum`s treasures; examples of tile work with lapis lazuli and luster glazes; gravestones of Safavid and Qajar kings; glazed tiles from the tomb of Ali ibon ja`fa and prince Isma`il; glazed mihrab tiles dated  667/1142 ; as well as a wealth of other objects spanning the Ilkhanid through to the Qajar periods includings paintings, miniatures, portraits. Inlaid work, glass ware, ceramics, and coins (including coins struck in the city of Qom). Of particular interest are the tiles produced in the work shop of seyyed Rokn al-Din of kashan representing human and bird forms and scenes from the book Shahnameh by Ferdowsi and inscribed with Qur`anic inscriptions and sayings of the Holy prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In conclusion, it should be said that the museum is open on week days except Mondays.