Step inside Tehran's Den of Espionage, the former U.S. Embassy turned museum, for a rare glimpse into U.S.-Iran history. A must-visit for history buffs in Tehran.
It’s one thing to hear stories about the infamous U.S. Embassy in Tehran, now known as the Den of Espionage, but quite another to actually step inside.
Once hidden from public view, this former symbol of tension between the U.S. and Iran is now open as a museum.
Let's take a look inside the Den of Espionage / U.S. Embassy in Tehran. All you need to know about visiting!
A History of the US Embassy in Tehran
Former US Embassy in Tehran (Den of Espionage) Key Information
Visiting the US Embassy in Tehran Today
What Can You See in the Den of Espionage?
Should You Visit the Den of Espionage?
A History of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran
November 4 1979
On this day, militant students, loyal to the Iranian Revolution and its leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, stormed the U.S. Embassy.
Why?
They believed the U.S. was planning a CIA-backed plot to undermine the Revolution.
This was especially after granting asylum to the overthrown Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Break US-Iran Diplomatic Ties
What followed was a crisis that would last 444 days, with 52 Americans held hostage inside the embassy.
In the end, it would lead to the U.S. severing diplomatic ties with Iran. A break that has never been repaired to this date.
Former US Embassy in Tehran (Den of Espionage) Key Information
Opening Times: Daily, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets: 300,000 Rial (about $7)
Tickets: 300,000 Rial (about $7)
NOTE: Pictures may be taken inside the museum with non-professional cameras, such as your phone. However, you are not allowed to make a video.
Visiting the Former US Embassy in Tehran (Den of Espionage) Today
After the 1979 incident, the former U.S. Embassy was a closed-off, highly-guarded site, home to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and a symbol of defiance.
Over the years, the murals evolved, but the messages stayed largely the same. For a long time, tourists were only allowed to glimpse the outside, often being shooed away if they lingered too long.
But now, you can walk right through the gates and into the heart of this complex piece of history.
Outside the Den of Espionage Museum
The outside facade of the building is imposing, a typical show-off massive building to properly house a U.S. Embassy you can still see around the world.
A tattered U.S. Flag, one of the few that still existing U.S. Flags in Iran, is still hanging half mast outside the entrance to the Museum.
The two sides of the entrance to the Former US Embassy are now carved with anti-US Propaganda relief. These were added recently to highlight the resentment against the American government.
Inside the Den of Espionage Museum
The museum itself is filled with artefacts from that tumultuous time.
Numerous shredded documents that the Embassy staff tried to destroy before they were captured have been pieced back together and turned into books, and used as evidence of the U.S. espionage.
There’s spying equipment, old machines, and soundproof rooms that once served as secret dens for covert activities.
And of course, you can expect a few additions that highlight the anti-US propaganda posters adorning the walls, including Imam Khomeini’s portrait and anti-Imperialism graffiti put on the fateful day in 1979.
What Can You See in the Den of Espionage?
The Ambassador’s Office still bears the original American flag in the corner, with the style of 1970s furniture.
Old computers, wireless communication, phones and machines were once the advanced technology equipment in the days.
In contrast, however, there are signs of bullet holes in the wall panels, including a few broken into safe bears bullet holes and forced openings.
The murals on the walls outside may give you the impression of a country still steeped in anti-US sentiment, but spend a little time talking to the people of Tehran.
You will quickly realize that the open-minded, modern generation couldn’t be further from those messages.
Should You Visit The Den of Espionage Museum?
The Den of Espionage isn’t just a museum.
It’s a window into a complex chapter of Iran’s history. One that shaped the country’s relationship with the world, especially the US.
But it’s also a reminder that this history doesn’t define how Iranians see the world today.
Visiting this museum is about more than seeing murals or spying equipment.
It's about understanding a critical piece of history and gaining perspective on how far things have come since then.
It’s an experience that will challenge your understanding of the region’s past and present, and maybe even change the way you see the world.
Koryo Tours
Iran Travel Guide
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