Throughout Tehran, galleries have begun to close, and in some cases, indefinitely focused on Israel’s Friday air strikes on nuclear and military facilities in the Iranian capital. Iran retaliated against dozens of missiles launched by Israeli territory, and the Iranian government called the strike against Tehran a “declaration of war.”
Israel’s strike against Iran, which reportedly killed two senior military commanders and two senior government officials, has temporarily suspended the Tehran art world. Iran’s strike against Israel took place late Friday, so it’s unclear whether museums and galleries in Tel Aviv will be affected.
Shirin Gallery in Tehran is a firm New York outpost at the International Art Fair.
Laleh Gallery, an operation near Laleh Hotel, also postponed the group exhibition “New Saghakhaneh”, an investigation into the exploration of Iranian identity and traditions of painting and sculpture. Moshen Gallery and Hoor Gallery released a statement that they will “until further notice” just like Bavan Gallery. Bawan’s management expressed hope for a “good day” in a statement.
(Editor’s Note: The statement is written in Farsi and translated into English. The story may be updated to reflect clarification.)
Commercial art costumes from Tehran’s roots have also begun to respond to emerging wars. Ab-Anbar, a gallery that opened in Tehran in 2014, has since moved to London and he stated that he will host community lunches tomorrow. “In view of the recent incidents, we are opening the door for shared meals. Bring a dish, bring a drink, bring a friend or bring yourself. Let’s gather, eat, drink and be together.”
Tehran is home to several internationally renowned cultural sites, including the Iranian National Museum, the world’s largest warehouse for Persian archaeology and medieval visual art history. The institution includes two venues – the Ancient Iran Museum and the Islamic Times Museum, which contain artifacts and dynasty textiles, calligraphy, pottery and artworks dating back 300,000 years ago. There is also the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, whose property includes important works by Monet, Picasso, etc.
Located in the heart of Tehran is the Golestan Palace, which was originally built within its historic walled city during the Safavid dynasty and later became the seat of the Qajar era government after a series of expansions and additions in the 19th century. Neither the Golestan Palace nor the National Museum issued a statement on Friday regarding the Israeli air strikes.
According to the law protecting national heritage in 1930, the palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. The palace is classified as a national monument, and the law, together with UNESCO designation, aims to provide special protection for art for wartime activities. Artnews UNESCO has been contacted for comment.
