Commissioned by the Mashhad City Council and Mayor, a complex named “Culture of Ferdowsi” has been designed and approved to be located in the closest proximity to Ferdowsi’s mausoleum, adhering strictly to heritage preservation guidelines (including the prohibition of construction within or around the ancient walls of Tus). Spanning 21 hectares, the complex includes seven interconnected gardens. One of them, the “Culture Halls Garden,” is 12,000 square meters in size and positioned at a lower elevation than the tomb. It comprises the following halls:
A) Hall of Ferdowsi’s Life: Covering the creation of the Shahnameh, Ferdowsi’s intentions, his impact on Iran’s cultural independence and his global significance B) Hall of Three Cities: Highlighting the historical roles of Tus, Neyshabur and Mashhad and the prominent figures raised in them with national and international influence C) Shahnameh and Children’s Hall: Focused on the place of children in the Shahnameh and their role in education D) Hall of Nations’ Friendship: Introducing the cultural traits of neighboring and Asian countries and hosting cultural exchange weeks or friendship days
The roof of these halls will feature planted and labeled Shahnameh-related flora and a public park will align with the axis of Ferdowsi’s tomb garden. The halls' roofs are supported by tilted columns designed as interlocked hands—a symbol of Iranian ethnic unity. The interior architecture will use state-of-the-art audiovisual methods. The outer walls will be made of mirrored glass to reflect both visitors and the garden's natural beauty.