Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran

Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO)

سازمان میراث فرهنگی، صنایع دستی و گردشگری ایران
Original logo from 2006
Agency overview
Formed	1985
Preceding agencies	Touring and Tourism Organization (1991 to 2003) Deputy of Touring and Pilgrimage in Ministry of Islamic Guidance (1979 to 1991) Ministry of Intelligence and Tourism (1974 to 1979) Office of Tourism (1954 to 1963) Touring Council (1941 to 1954) Office of Tourists and publicity (1935 to 1941)
Jurisdiction	Islamic Republic of Iran
Headquarters	Tehran, Iran
Employees	7,200 (2013)
Annual budget	375 billion toman (2014)
Agency executive	Zahra Ahmadipour
Website	www.ichto.ir

Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization (Persian: سازمان میراث فرهنگی، صنایع دستی و گردشگری ایران‎‎) is an educational and research institution overseeing numerous associated museum complexes throughout Iran. It is administered and funded by the Government of Iran.

It was established in 1985 by legislation from the Majlis merging 11 research and cultural organizations. The current head of organization is Masoud Soltanifar, taking office on 1 February 2014

It publishes and oversees the publication of many journals and books, and carries out projects in conjunction with foreign museums and academia. It is similar in scope and activity to the Smithsonian Institution.

ICHTO has branches in all Provinces of Iran that administer and operate local projects, sites and museums.