The museum provides insight into the ways Iran and its people interpret this period in history. Much of the artwork within the museum portrays the United States as an imperial power, reinforcing anti-Western rhetoric and preserving the memory of the revolution. For Iranians, the embassy takeover is a celebrated moment of defiance against perceived U.S. interference, and the museum seeks to encapsulate that spirit.
Visitor Experience: Exploring the “U.S. Den of Espionage”
The visitor experience at the former embassy is unlike any other museum. A tour of the facility reveals detailed rooms with preserved artifacts, including telex machines, typewriters, and security control rooms left as they were decades ago. In one part of the museum, a wall showcases various passport photos of embassy staff and other evidence collected by the students during the takeover.
International visitors are often struck by the museum’s atmosphere, which combines historical preservation with a strong political message. Many find it an enlightening experience that offers an Iranian perspective on the crisis, providing insight into why the revolution occurred and how it continues to influence Iran’s foreign policy today.