Tehran is the cultural capital of Iran, boasting a sophisticated and resilient arts scene.
* **Visual Arts:** The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) holds one of the most valuable collections of Western modern art outside Europe and North America, alongside prominent Iranian works. * **Performing Arts:** The architecturally stunning City Theater (Teatr-e Shahr) and Vahdat Hall host theater, ballet, and orchestral performances. * **Cinema:** Tehran is the epicenter of Iranian cinema, historically launching the careers of internationally celebrated auteurs and hosting the annual Fajr International Film Festival. * **Galleries:** The city features a vibrant independent gallery scene, with spaces like Seyhoun Art Gallery and Shirin Art Gallery championing local and avant-garde artists.