House Museum Of Sattar Bahlulzade

House-Museum of Sattar Bahlulzade in Baku: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Sattar Bahlulzade House-Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural landscape, honoring the life and legacy of Sattar Bahlulzade (1909–1974)—the father of modern Azerbaijani landscape painting and a pioneer of Azerbaijani Impressionism. Known for his vibrant, emotionally resonant depictions of Azerbaijan’s natural beauty, Bahlulzade’s art reflects a profound appreciation for his homeland’s landscapes and traditions. His unique style, developed through studies in Baku and Moscow, broke with Soviet-era artistic conventions, embracing bold colors and lyrical compositions that celebrate national identity (Wikipedia, Nar Gallery, Azernews).

Established in the late 1970s in his former home near his birthplace, the House-Museum preserves Bahlulzade’s artistic achievements and personal story. Visitors can explore original paintings, personal items, and archival materials, gaining insight into his creative process and enduring impact. The museum serves as a hub for art education and cultural engagement, offering guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions that contextualize Bahlulzade’s role in Azerbaijani art history (Trek Zone, Tuktuk Travel Mag).

Conveniently accessible via public transport or taxi, the museum is surrounded by other notable cultural sites, making it an essential destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural tourists alike (Azerbaijan Traveller, Azernews).

Sattar Bahlulzade: Life and Artistic Formation

Born in the village of Amirjan near Baku, Sattar Bahlulzade’s early years immersed him in vibrant folk traditions, the artistry of Azerbaijani carpets, and the natural beauty of Absheron. Encouraged by his family and mentored by the renowned Azim Azimzade at the Pedagogical Technical School of Painting in Baku, Bahlulzade further refined his skills at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute under Vladimir Favorsky. His formative years were marked by a deepening appreciation for both Azerbaijani and Russian artistic traditions (Wikipedia, Nar Gallery, WikiArt).

Artistic Style and Innovations

Bahlulzade’s art is celebrated for its synthesis of impressionistic techniques and vibrant, imaginative color palettes. Rejecting Socialist Realism, he developed a highly personal style depicting Azerbaijan’s landscapes in sweeping, emotionally charged vistas. His most acclaimed works, including “Tears of Kapaz,” “Bank of the Gudiyalchay,” “Dream of the Land,” “Evening Above the Caspian Sea,” and “Goygol,” are renowned for their expressive use of color and evocative sense of place (Wikipedia, Azernews).

Achievements and Recognition

Throughout his career, Bahlulzade garnered significant honors:

Honored Art Worker of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1960)
People’s Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR (1963)
State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR (1972)
Two Orders of the Red Banner of Labour (1959, 1969)

His works were exhibited widely, introducing Azerbaijani art to audiences in the United States, England, Turkey, Russia, and across the Soviet Union (Nar Gallery, WikiArt).

Personal Philosophy and Legacy

Bahlulzade was known for his generosity—often gifting paintings to visitors—and for his deep connection to his homeland. He remained committed to authenticity and the transformative power of art, inspiring generations of Azerbaijani artists. After his death in 1974, he was buried in Amirjan beside his mother; his grave and a bronze bust commemorate his legacy (Azer.com, Wikipedia).

His works are preserved in major Azerbaijani museums and international collections, with his centenary celebrated on national commemorative stamps (Wikipedia).

The House-Museum: Origins and Cultural Role

Establishment and Setting

The House-Museum was established in the late 1970s in Bahlulzade’s family home in the Sabunçu district, near Amirjan. This modest, early 20th-century residence features a central courtyard, high ceilings, and decorative woodwork, reflecting local architectural traditions (Trek Zone).

Collections and Exhibits

Visitors can explore:

Original paintings, including key landscapes and still lifes
Sketches and preparatory studies revealing Bahlulzade’s creative evolution
Personal artifacts such as his easel, brushes, and library
Photographs, correspondence, and archival documents

The museum preserves both his living and working spaces, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of his creative life.

Educational and Cultural Significance

The House-Museum functions as a center for Azerbaijani art study, hosting educational programs, workshops, temporary exhibitions, and collaborative events with other institutions (Tuktuk Travel Mag). Restoration and digitization projects ensure the preservation and accessibility of its collections.

Visiting Information

Hours and Admission

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (check the official site for updates)
Closed: Mondays and national holidays
Tickets: General admission ~5 AZN; discounts for students, seniors, and groups
Guided Tours: Available in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English by prior arrangement

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Wheelchair-accessible entrance and facilities
Audio guides and brochures available
Photography permitted without flash in most areas
Gift shop with art prints and souvenirs

Getting There

Public Transport: Buses from central Baku to Sabunçu/Amirjan; nearest stop is Amirjan Village
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Readily available; ~30–40 minutes from city center
Parking: Limited spaces nearby

Nearby Attractions

Amirjan Cultural House and Bahlulzade’s monument by Omar Eldarov
Murtuza Mukhtarov Mosque
Gobustan Petroglyph Museum
Other Baku museums and historical sites

Must-See Highlights

Permanent Exhibitions: Paintings such as “Tears of Kapaz,” “Bank of the Gudyalchay,” and “Evening Above the Caspian Sea”
Personal Artifacts: Studio preserved as Bahlulzade left it, with brushes, palettes, and unfinished works
Archival Materials: Letters, diaries, and photos chronicling his career and influence
Multimedia: Documentary screenings, including Davud Imanov’s “Sattar Bahlulzade” (Azernews)
Sculptures: Works by Fuad Abdurrahmanov and Omar Eldarov honoring the artist

Visitor Tips

Confirm current hours, ticket prices, and special events on the museum’s website before your visit
Allow 1–2 hours to fully explore the museum and participate in guided tours or film screenings
Photography is generally allowed, but ask for specific restrictions
Combine your museum visit with nearby cultural sites for a comprehensive experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of the House-Museum?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and national holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Around 5 AZN; discounts for students, seniors, and groups.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English by prior arrangement.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with wheelchair access; some historic areas may have limitations.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Yes, without flash; check for restrictions.

Q: How do I get to the museum?
A: Via public transport or taxi from central Baku; parking is limited.

Integration with Baku’s Cultural Network

The House-Museum is part of a vibrant network of Baku’s cultural attractions, including the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, the Carpet Museum, and the Heydar Aliyev Center. Its proximity to other historical sites makes it a key destination for cultural tourism in Azerbaijan (Tuktuk Travel Mag).

Plan Your Visit

The Sattar Bahlulzade House-Museum is an essential stop for those eager to explore Azerbaijani art and heritage. For current information on visiting hours, tickets, and events, consult the official museum website or contact the administration directly. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for guided tours and interactive content, and follow the museum’s social media for updates.