The Malek Museum and Library is a private bequest from the early 20th century, housed in a historic building near the Grand Bazaar. It holds one of the finest collections of Islamic manuscripts in Iran — Qurans from the 9th century onwards, illustrated Persian literary manuscripts including examples of the Shahnameh and the Khamsa of Nizami with miniature paintings, and a significant collection of historic coins, seals, and decorative objects.
The library section is a major research resource and not open to casual visitors, but the museum displays rotating selections from the manuscript and art collection. For anyone interested in Persian illuminated manuscripts or Islamic calligraphy, this is the best accessible collection in Tehran. The building's interiors — particularly the painted ceiling of the reception hall — are also worth seeing.