Arthur Upham Pope

Arthur Upham Pope and his wife Phyllis Ackerman were pioneers in the study of the arts of Asia, with a paramount dedication to Persian art, history, heritage and culture, and its interrelations. Their efforts led to the establishment in 1925 of the American Institute for Persian Art and Archaeology, which later became the Asia Institute, in New York City and their unique programs of research, publications, exhibitions and educational instruction continued at the Institute and around the world until their retirement. In late 1964, during a State visit to Iran, Professor Pope and Dr. Ackerman were formally invited to move The Asia Institute to Shiraz as an independent research center of publication and study, which would be housed in the Narenjestan, the beautiful hereditary compound of the Ghavam ul-Molk Shirazi. They accepted this generous offer and following months of planning, packing and organization, they returned permanently to Iran in 1966. Professor Pope and Dr. Ackerman were to spend their final days in Iran and upon their sad demise, they were provided with a magnificent mausoleum built in Professor Pope Park on the banks of the Zayandeh-Rud River in their beloved city of Isfahan.