National Art Museum Of Azerbaijan

National Art Museum of Azerbaijan, Baku: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the historic center of Baku, the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is a cultural landmark that bridges Azerbaijan’s rich artistic legacy with global art traditions. As the country’s largest art institution, the museum houses over 18,000 works spanning antiquity to contemporary times. Visitors are treated to a thoughtfully curated journey through Azerbaijani, Western European, Russian, and Eastern art, all within architecturally significant late 19th-century mansions that blend historic grandeur with modern design.

This guide provides an in-depth look into the museum’s history, architecture, collections, visitor information, and travel tips, ensuring you make the most of your experience at one of Baku’s most celebrated cultural sites. For the latest details on exhibitions, tickets, and virtual tours, consult the official museum website (azerbaijantravel.com) (whichmuseum.com).

Historical Overview
Architectural Highlights
Collections and Exhibitions
Visitor Information
Digital Resources and Virtual Experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Tips
Conclusion and Further Resources

Historical Overview

Origins and Institutional Development

The museum’s origins trace back to the 1920 founding of the Azerbaijan State Museum (Azgosmuseum), initially housed in the mansion of philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. Conceived as a multidisciplinary repository, it quickly established a distinguished fine arts department. In 1936, the Azerbaijan State Museum of Art was formed as a separate institution, opening its first independent exhibition in 1937 (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan).

Subsequent decades saw several relocations and organizational changes as the museum’s collection expanded rapidly. By the early 1950s, the need for a permanent home led to its move into the de Boer Mansion, which remains the museum’s principal location.

Establishment in the de Boer Mansion and Expansion

Constructed between 1891 and 1895 for oil magnate Lev Martynovich de Boer, the de Boer Mansion exemplifies Baku’s late 19th-century architectural renaissance. The adjacent Mariinsky Gymnasium, acquired in 1992, allowed for significant expansion and the creation of new exhibition and educational spaces. In 2013, the addition of an avant-garde transition building further modernized the complex, visually and functionally connecting the historic structures and providing state-of-the-art galleries for contemporary art (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan).

Naming, National Status, and Leadership

Named after artist Rustam Mustafayev from 1943 until 2011, the museum was designated a national institution by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan in 2011. Its leadership has included renowned Azerbaijani artists and scholars, with Shirin Malikova (Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies) currently serving as director (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan).

Architectural Highlights

de Boer Mansion and Mariinsky Gymnasium

The de Boer Mansion is a prime example of Baku’s eclectic architectural style, featuring ornate façades, arched windows, and detailed interior moldings. The Mariinsky Gymnasium complements this with its own historic charm. Together, these buildings provide both intimate and grand spaces for the museum’s diverse collections.

Avant-Garde Transition Building

Added in 2013, this glass and metal structure symbolizes the museum’s commitment to contemporary art and innovation, serving as the main venue for modern exhibitions and events.

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

The museum’s ongoing restoration and adaptive reuse projects have set benchmarks in heritage conservation, integrating historical authenticity with modern functionality.

Collections and Exhibitions

Azerbaijani Art and Archaeology

The museum’s Azerbaijani collection covers:

Archaeological finds from Mingachevir and Nakhchivan
Medieval ceramics and fragments from Bayil Castle
16th-century manuscripts and Tabriz miniatures
Traditional metalwork and textiles, notably carpets from Guba, Karabakh, and other renowned weaving centers

19th–20th-century Azerbaijani painting is represented by artists such as Mir Mohsun Navvab, Bahruz Kangarli, and Tahir Salahov, tracing the evolution of national identity (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan).

Western European, Russian, and Eastern Art

Western European: Masterpieces by Raffaello Sanzio, Guercino, Canaletto, and others, including “Madonna of the Goldfinch.”
Russian: Works by Ivan Shishkin, Vasily Vereshchagin, Constantine Korovin, and Karl Briullov.
Eastern: Persian miniatures, Islamic metalwork, Silk Road carpets, and Japanese Meiji and Taisho period ceramics, ivory, and woodblock prints.

Contemporary Art Platform

The avant-garde transition building hosts rotating exhibitions of modern Azerbaijani artists such as Aida Mahmudova, Faig Ahmad, Rashad Alakbarov, and Farid Rasulov, reflecting current social and artistic trends (azerbaijan.az).

Decorative Arts and Special Exhibitions

The museum boasts rich collections of jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and ethnographic costumes. Special exhibitions frequently spotlight international and local themes, including Japanese art and medieval Azerbaijani-Turkic armor.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00–18:00
Wednesday: 12:00–21:00
Saturday, Sunday: 11:00–19:00
Closed on Mondays
(National Art Museum of Azerbaijan)

Ticketing

Foreign Citizens: 10 AZN
Local Citizens: 5 AZN
Students: 2 AZN
Pupils: 1 AZN
Guided Tour (per group): 8 AZN
Photography (without flash): 5 AZN

Tickets are available at the entrance and online. Discounts apply for students, seniors, and groups. Free entry is available for military personnel, museum staff, and ICOM members (whichmuseum.com).

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours in multiple languages (including English and Russian) are available by prior arrangement. Educational programs, lectures, workshops, and children’s activities are frequently scheduled, along with music concerts and film screenings (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan).

Accessibility and Amenities

Wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators
Accessible restrooms
Multilingual staff
Gift shop, café, free Wi-Fi

Contact the museum in advance regarding specific accessibility needs (azerbaijantravel.com).

Location and Nearby Attractions

Address: Niyazi Street 9/13, Baku, Azerbaijan
The museum is centrally located, close to the Old City (Icherisheher), Baku Boulevard, and other historical sites. It is easily reached by metro (Icherisheher Station), bus, or taxi (azerbaijantravel.com).

Digital Resources and Virtual Experience

The official website offers virtual tours, interactive maps, and high-quality images with SEO-optimized alt text for remote exploration and planning (National Art Museum of Azerbaijan) (Google Arts & Culture).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00–18:00; Wednesday: 12:00–21:00; Saturday, Sunday: 11:00–19:00; closed on Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: 10 AZN for foreign visitors; discounted rates for locals, students, and children.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages by prior arrangement.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, but contact in advance for specific accommodations.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography without flash is permitted for a 5 AZN fee; restrictions may apply for special exhibitions.

Q: How do I get there?
A: The museum is centrally located, accessible by metro, bus, taxi, or on foot from major city landmarks.

Planning Tips

Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Consider the Baku Museum Pass for discounted entry to multiple museums (azerbaijantravel.com).
Pair your visit with nearby attractions like the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Old City.
Check the official website for up-to-date information on hours, events, and ticketing before your visit.

Conclusion

The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is a vital institution preserving and celebrating the nation’s artistic heritage while fostering contemporary creativity and international dialogue. Its combination of rich collections, historic architecture, educational programming, and modern accessibility makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Azerbaijani culture or global art traditions.

Plan your visit with the official museum website, explore virtual tours, and consider downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates, guided audio tours, and cultural news. Whether in person or online, the museum offers a gateway to centuries of artistic achievement at the heart of Baku.