| The collection of personal relics of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, the portraits of both the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, original manuscripts and Tablets in the handwriting of Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb, and other items associated with the Faith which are housed in the first building to be completed on the Arc of Mount Carmel. Before the completion of the International Archives building in 1957 these mementoes were housed in three rooms adjoining the Shrine of the Báb (the ‘Major' Archives) and, later, also in a small house in the gardens 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 by 1954 work was under way. Shoghi Effendi himself approved the Parthenon-like design, and it was while he was staying in London to purchase furnishings for the newly-completed building that he passed away. The furnishing was completed by his widow, Rúḥíyyih K̲h̲ánum. An extension to the present building forms part of the plans for the development of the Arc on Mount Carmel. Bahá'í pilgrims visit the Archives building once during their pilgrimage. |
