International Archives, Haifa

The first building to be erected on the Arc in Haifa, the International Archives holds a collection of personal relics of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, as well as original manuscripts and Tablets handwritten by Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb. It also contains various other items associated with the Bahá’í Faith. However, the building's primary purpose is to provide a reverent atmosphere for viewing the paintings, drawings, and a single photograph of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb.

While some of these items are available on the internet today, many Bahá’ís prefer to view them in person during their pilgrimage. Before the construction of the International Archives building in 1957, these mementos were housed in three rooms adjacent to the Shrine of the Báb (known as the 'Major' Archives) and later, in a small house near the monument to the Greatest Holy Leaf (the Minor Archives).

Shoghi Effendi announced his decision to build the International Archives building in 1952, and construction began in 1954. The design was modeled after the Parthenon, with 50 Ionic columns instead of the Doric Order. The building features a green tiled roof, measures 32 x 14 meters, and stands 12 meters tall.

The International Archives building is an essential part of the Bahá'í pilgrimage, with visitors allowed to view the items once during their pilgrimage.