15 best museums in Baku – list, prices, opening hours, map
Residents of Russia come to the capital of Azerbaijan for various purposes. For some, this is a business trip, someone intends to spend a vacation here, someone wants to get acquainted with local attractions. There are many of them here. And among them a special place is occupied by the museums of Baku. Try to take the time to see at least a few of them. It is here that you can learn a lot of interesting things about the past of the Azerbaijani people, about their cultural traditions. You will see archaeological finds, exhibits relating to the Middle Ages, to the periods of modern and recent history. Numerous expositions will allow you to fully appreciate the rich past of Azerbaijan.
Modern Art Museum
It opened relatively recently – in 2009. It was built on the initiative of the wife of Heydar Aliyev – Mehriban. The author of the project was the Azerbaijani Altay Sadykh-zade, who turned the building itself into a work of art in the avant-garde style. The basic principle is freedom and the absence of restrictions. Here are the works of the great masters of the 20th century, such as Dali and Picasso.
But the basis of the collection is the work of Azerbaijani artists and sculptors of the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Most of them also worked in the avant-garde style. “Unknown” art is also presented – paintings by artists whose names are hardly familiar to the general public. There is also a restaurant and cafe, very originally decorated.
Personal exhibitions of painters are held, an exposition of children‘s works is open. You can borrow art books from the library, and the shop has a variety of paintings for sale. The video room often hosts lectures, presentations and other events. Open daily, except Monday, from 11 am to 8 pm.
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National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan
At first, back in 1920, it was only a small branch of the Commissariat of Education. The official opening took place in 1921. Since 1969, this cultural institution has been the sole owner of the famous Tagiev mansion. What can be seen here? Thousands of artifacts. True, not all are exhibited. Most are kept in storage. Archaeological finds telling about the distant past of the Azerbaijani land, ancient coins, weapons, exhibits telling about the Middle Ages, as well as the period of modern and recent history.
The collection is constantly updated. Jewelry and other items made of gold dating back to 4 thousand BC were transferred here. Here you can learn a lot of interesting things about the development of science and culture, agriculture and various crafts. A museum-apartment of patron Tagiyev has also been set up here – you can see the furnishings of the rooms and personal belongings. Open every day, except Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The building draws attention from afar. I would like to come and take a closer look. The fact is that the architect gave it the shape of a rolled carpet. For the Azerbaijani people, their craftsmen, carpets from time immemorial were not just a decoration of the house, but also a way of self-expression. This cultural institution was opened in 1967, and since then it has changed premises several times. The construction of the current building began in 2008 by order of Ilham Aliyev.
The exposition was opened in a new place 6 years later. During the work of the museum, its exhibits managed to visit Europe, Asia, America. And everywhere they were admired. So, even carpets woven in the 17th and 18th centuries are presented here. In addition to carpets, the funds contain many other exhibits: dishes, jewelry, national costumes, household items made of metal, and weapons. You can also clearly see how the craftsmen worked, how carpets were created.
It is better to come here not as an independent sightseer, but to book a tour – it is during it that you will be introduced to all the intricacies of carpet weaving, they will tell you about techniques and ornaments. Employees of this institution have repeatedly participated in major international symposiums dedicated to Azerbaijani carpets. Visitors can view the exposition daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
Founded back in 1939, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the poet Nizami Ganjavi. It is located in the city center, in the building of the former caravanserai of the 19th century. The decoration of the facade are 8 sculptures of poets and writers. There is also a statue of a woman among them. This is Natavan Khurshidbanu, she lived in the 19th century and wrote poetry. The last modernization here was carried out in 2005. This made it possible to exhibit up to 25 thousand units of the fund. The manuscript of Nizami's poem, written at the beginning of the 15th century, is kept here.
Guests can see both handwritten works of Azerbaijani poets and prose writers, as well as their archives, letters, illustrations for works, autographs. Even miniatures illustrating ancient manuscripts are stored here. I am glad that there is also a bookstore where you can buy books in many languages, including Russian. Open daily, except Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm.
Museum Center
Located near Primorsky Boulevard. It used to be called a branch of the Lenin Central Museum. It was opened to visitors in 1955. In 1961 he moved to a new building. More than 110 thousand exhibits related to the life of Lenin and the revolutionaries, with the Soviet period of history were kept here. The modern name “Museum Center” appeared after the collapse of the USSR. Today the center unites the Museum of Musical Culture, the Museum of Independence and the Theater Museum. There is also an art gallery here. The Center cooperates with cultural institutions of Europe and America.
Major events, international conferences, seminars, symposiums are held on its basis. The Art Gallery constantly hosts exhibitions of paintings, photographs, here you can see the works of famous artists. The most important events take place in the Round Hall, which is located under the dome. Official receptions are replaced by presentations, here international treaties are signed, fashion designers demonstrate new collections. Souvenirs can be bought on the ground floor.
Heydar Aliyev Center
Probably one of the most popular places in Baku. How could it be otherwise, if in 2014 the building was recognized as the most beautiful in the world. It is noteworthy that the author of the project is a woman, the famous architect Zaha Hadid. She gave the Heydar Aliyev Center the shape of a wave reaching into the sky. It symbolizes the connection between the past and the future. In general, both the external appearance of the building and the interior are characterized by a postmodern style.
Be sure to go to the center, walk around its floors. There are excellent conference halls and exhibitions where you can get an idea of the country's cultural heritage. Of great interest to the guests are models of the sights of Azerbaijan – from the ancient Maiden's Tower to the modern Government House.
The center also houses: the Heydar Aliyev Museum (in addition to photos and videos, there are cars that belonged to the head of the country), a restaurant and a cafe, various offices and exhibition halls. It is interesting to see the exposition of photographs, which show natural sights and places related to the history of Azerbaijan.
Museum of Independence
Appeared relatively recently – in January 1991. However, today it has more than 22 thousand. copies. The purpose of this cultural institution is to reflect the people's struggle for independence. Azerbaijanis had to defend their interests for many centuries. The people's liberation movement also took place in the first half of the 20th century, when, during Stalin's personality cult, many sons and daughters of the Azerbaijani people were arrested, shot, imprisoned in camps, and exiled. There are also exhibits related to the modern history of the country, the life and work of its leader, Heydar Aliyev.
Here you can see documents and photographs, books and paintings, coins and personal items, sculptures and maps. The employees of the cultural center are actively working. Thematic exhibitions are constantly unfolding, open days are held. There is a circle “We are the heirs of independence”, which children willingly attend, gaining new knowledge here and completing exciting tasks. It will be of interest to everyone who is not indifferent to history. Open daily, except Monday, from 9 am to 6 pm.
Museum of Archeology and Ethnography
It was opened in 1976 and bears the name of M. Huseynov. The exposition is very interesting. In the halls dedicated to ethnography, you will see things and objects that allow you to visualize how Azerbaijanis lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Clothing, gold and silver jewelry, household items – all this is very colorful. No less interesting are the archaeological finds that reflect the life of people in ancient times, in the Middle Ages. The sites of the first representatives of mankind, primitive tools of labor of farmers, material evidence of the development of cattle breeding, grave monuments – visitors will get a complete picture of all this.
You can also see the works of the first artists here. The guide will tell you how people ran the household, what ideas about religion and moral principles they developed, how women and men dressed, what coins were in use. In 2008, restoration was carried out in the halls, and now over 2 thousand exhibits are available for inspection. Of particular interest is the exhibition of gold items.
Museum of Medicine
It was officially opened in early 1986. Here you can trace the history of the development of medicine in the country from ancient times to the present day. The collection is growing all the time. Here you can see photos and videos, books and documents, tools used by doctors. Personal belongings of famous doctors, medicines, pharmacy devices are presented. The bust of the great healer Abu Ali ibn Sina “greets” the guests. The surgical instruments used by doctors in the Middle Ages make a big impression.
Copies of ancient medical treatises, photographs and documents relating to the period of the formation of medical institutions in Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 20th century – all this deserves attention. Guests will learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the university in Baku and students of the medical faculty, about the opening of a medical university. And, finally, about the huge work and its impressive results, which were carried out by healthcare workers under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev.
Museum of Stone Chronicles
It is located on the State Flag Square, and opened its doors in 2015. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation was directly involved in its creation. The building used to belong to a station that supplied electricity to the oil fields. Today, very interesting exhibits are collected here. Many of them were brought from Azerbaijani reserves.
You can see here the creations of the sculptor Huseyn Hagverdi. Beautiful examples of stone sculpture, but not only they are collected here. There are also many household items that have been used in Azerbaijani families for centuries. Collected and original inscriptions on tombstones, which provide important information about the class division of society. Traditions come alive here, and it will interest everyone who is fond of history. Open daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 8 pm. The visit is free.
House-Museum of Samad Vurgun
The poet and playwright passed away early, he was only 50 years old, but Samad Vurgun was destined to fully feel the love of the Azerbaijani people. Within the walls of this house he spent his last years, he worked hard here. Guests will see the poet's office, his desk. Samad Vurgun always put on a suit before sitting down to write. By this he emphasized responsibility for work. The poet's library is also kept here. Hunting was Samed's hobby. Tourists will be able to see his gun and bandolier. You can also get acquainted with the biography of the poet in detail.
See photos that tell about his childhood and youth. Personal items deserve special attention – a watch, a cigarette case, a comb. Collected letters to his beloved wife Haver – from the first, which the young Samed wrote to the 16-year-old beauty, to the last, where he addresses his wife, already being seriously ill. Haver's wedding ring lies here as well. The guests will also see the clock, the hands of which are stopped at half past seven – this is the time when the poet passed away, and the death mask of Samad Vurgun. Free admission.
House-Museum of Uzeyir Gadzhibekov
It was opened in 1975. The great Azerbaijani composer lived in this house for almost three decades – from 1915 to 1942. The memories of people who came to visit the Gadzhibekovs have been preserved. The composer's friends said that there were always many flowers in the yard, and Uzeyir's wife, Melikya, served delicious sweets of her own making to the table. The rooms contain personal belongings of Gadzhibekov and his family members, photographs, letters, archives.
You can see the notes of the musical works that Uzeyir worked on. The exposition is regularly replenished. Guests will be able to feel the atmosphere that reigned in the composer's house during his lifetime, as well as learn a lot of interesting information about his biography. By the 120th anniversary of the composer – Azerbaijan celebrated this date in 2005 – a major overhaul was made in the house.
House Museum of Jafar Jabbarly
This house has a hard life. A famous Azerbaijani playwright lived here. The museum was opened in 1982, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Jafar Jabbarly. Later, an award named after him was established. Among the exhibits are photographs and documents, personal items, posters, stage models, gifts from famous people. In the spring of 2019, the topic of demolition began to be discussed. It turned out that the house was significantly dilapidated. Worsened its condition and construction, which was carried out in this part of the city. There were cracks in the foundation and walls of the house. In 2010, the exhibits moved to the Theater Museum for storage.
It was assumed that the house would be demolished and a new one built in its place – the same. However, it turned out that the writer's relatives privatized this land back in 1998. They then sold it to a construction company. Now a multi-storey residential building will be erected here, and the museum will be equipped on its first floor. Collected exhibits will be transferred here. So everyone can get acquainted with the life of a playwright.
Farhouse Neon Art Museum
To visit this unusual place, you have to make a short trip. Farhouse is located in the village of Novkhana, just over 20 km from Baku. It is best to come here in the evening, when it gets dark. The whole house shines with neon light both outside and inside. Moreover, the ornaments are made in 3D technology. The building can be seen from a distance, you don't have to ask the locals how to get there.
It is worth visiting one of the events that take place here. Lectures, exhibitions, master classes, yoga classes… Here you can see famous designers, artists, writers, poets, sculptors, experts in spiritual practices. On the ground floor, you can linger in the lounge area, drink tea with herbs, listen to music. This place is so unusual and memorable that many guests tend to come back here again and again. Farhouse is open daily from 17:00 to 22:00.
State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve “Gala”
This is a whole complex, which includes: museums of archeology and ethnography, a castle and antiques.
Coming here, it is best to take the help of a guide. You will be told about interesting exhibits in Russian. The territory of the complex is huge – about one and a half hectares. You will see drawings of primitive people, ceramics, various items that were used by the first inhabitants of these lands, jewelry.
Of great interest are the remains of settlements – people lived here even before our era. Numerous exhibits will tell about the history of the Middle Ages. Buildings and tents, a forge and workshops, even underground passages – all this will appear before you. If you are going to the reserve, be sure to take your children with you. Even if you do not have time to visit all these museums, you can visit the ones that interest you the most.