A historic educational building designed by French architect Roland Marcel Dubrulle is reborn as a museum, saving it from commercial demolition through dedicated civic action.
An Endangered Masterpiece
Located at Tehran’s historic Sirus Intersection, the Rahian-e-Qods Vocational School stands as a testament to Iran’s early modern architecture. Originally built between 1937 and 1942, it was one of twelve newly-founded primary schools designed by the renowned French architect Roland Marcel Dubrulle. Throughout its history, it has been known by various names, including Khayyam Primary School and the Behbahani Technical Teacher Training Center.
Despite its rich pedigree, by 2019, the building faced a severe identity crisis. A lack of documentation regarding its architectural significance, combined with poor conditions for students and the underutilization of its facilities, led the Ministry of Education to propose converting the site into a commercial property.
The Rescue Mission and Heritage Registration
To counter this imminent threat and safeguard the site’s architectural and vocational-educational legacy, preservationists took immediate action. The crucial first step was registering the building on the Iran National Heritage List.
To solidify this legal protection and breathe new life into the space, a museum was established within the school’s walls. The museum capitalized on the building’s inherent historical wealth, showcasing surviving documents, records of historical events, and vintage educational tools.
Community Action and Ongoing Preservation
Since 2020, a dedicated group of volunteers has maintained continuous collaboration with the school’s management. Their ongoing initiatives include:
- Raising funds to properly equip and curate the museum.
- Advocating for the clearing of the school’s forecourt, currently compromised by a motorcycle parking lot.
- Defending the building’s historical perimeter against urban encroachment.
International Recognition
The grassroots efforts yielded significant international acknowledgment. In 2021, the school was proudly presented to Docomomo International (the organization dedicated to the conservation of Modern Movement architecture). Alongside the Iranian Artists Forum and the Risbaf Factory, it was showcased as a leading example of urban regeneration in Tehran.
To further cement its future, the “Tehran Pelak be Pelak” research group prepared a comprehensive preservation and sustainability dossier for the building in 2023, commissioned directly by the school’s management.
A Gift to the City
The journey from an endangered structure to a celebrated cultural hub culminated on October 6, 2025. Coinciding beautifully with World Architecture Day and Tehran Day, the museum officially opened its doors. The inauguration was celebrated in a truly grassroots, community-driven manner—a fitting tribute and a monumental gift to the city of Tehran and its citizens.
A Step Towards Sustainability: The Solar Power Initiative
In November 2025, the school took a monumental step toward environmental sustainability. In a symbolic and forward-thinking initiative, solar panels were installed and officially inaugurated through a collaborative partnership between UN-Habitat and the Urban Regeneration Corporation.
The Khayyam School Museum was carefully selected for this green initiative for several key reasons: its location in the historically underprivileged Sirus neighborhood, its officially registered heritage status, and the cultural significance of the museum itself. The facilitation and successful realization of this green project were the result of a dedicated one-year effort that commenced in January 2025.
Read More About This Project:
- Inauguration of the First School Equipped with Solar Panels in Tehran
- Connection of the First Solar-Powered School in Tehran’s “Sirus” Neighborhood to the National Electricity Grid
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