Baku’s art scene has been influenced by diverse cultures, from its Zoroastrian roots to Persian and Russian influences. Early cave paintings in Gobustan National Park depict hunting scenes and rituals, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life. The medieval period saw the flourishing of miniature painting, with intricate illustrations adorning manuscripts. The 19th century marked a shift towards European styles capturing Baku’s evolving cityscape and everyday life. The Soviet era saw the rise of Socialist Realism, while the late 20th century witnessed a resurgence of national identity reflected in art.
Azerbaijani Masters:
Azerbaijan has produced a wealth of talented photographers and painters who have left their mark on art history. Among them, Russian Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky (1863-1944), one of the pioneers of the color photography, who took Baku’s first color photos; Paul Nadar’s photograph album of Turkestan; Azim Azimzadeh, a master of the satirical drawing; Tahir Salahov, a prominent Soviet-era artist, renowned for his expressive portraits and depiction of workers. Sattar Bahlulzadeh, great impressionist painter; Latif Karimov, founder of Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, a master photographer, documented the beauty of Azerbaijani landscapes and people.
Baku caters to art lovers with a variety of venues to explore. Here are top 11 must-visit spots:
YARAT Contemporary Art Centre
It is a non-profit art organization based in Baku, Azerbaijan, founded by artist Aida Mahmudova in 2011 (YARAT means “create” in Azerbaijani). YARAT is dedicated to contemporary art with a long-term commitment to creating a hub for artistic practice, research, thinking and education in Azerbaijan. The venue showcases temporary exhibitions by leading international artists, highlighting emerging movements and new commissions, as well as housing YARAT Collection displays.
Address: Bayil (National Flag Square). Call +99412505 1414. www.yarat.az. Open 12pm-8pm.
National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan
The museum is the largest art museum in Azerbaijan. You explore Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage at this grand museum. The museum’s collection includes over 17,000 artworks, with over 3,000 items on permanent display in 60 rooms. The remaining 12,000 or so items are kept in storage. The museum periodically changes the exhibits so that more of the artworks can be displayed temporarily. The collection includes Azerbaijani art, as well as art from Turkey, Iran, France, Japan, China, and Central Asia.
Address: Niyazi str 9/11. Call +994124920707. www.nationalartmuseum.az. Open Tue-Thu-Fri 10am-6pm; Wed 12pm-9pm; Sat-Sun. 11am-7pm
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Gazelli Art House Baku
Gazelli Baku is a contemporary art gallery founded in 2017 by Mila Askarova. This renowned gallery specializes in modern and contemporary art from Azerbaijan and the wider region. It showcases a diverse programme of exhibitions and events, featuring works ranging from digital pieces to more recent investigations seeking out alternative and more hopeful queer futures through AI and drag performance collaboration. The venue incorporates a coffee shop, library, restaurant and fine souvenir shop.
Address: 172 Lev Tolstoy Street. Call+994124981230. www.gazelliarthouse.com. Open Tue-Sun 12pm-8pm.
ARTIM Art-Space
ARTIM project space is a program run by YARAT Contemporary Art Centre. Locate in Icherisheher, Baku Old Town, it provides a dedicated exhibition space for young artists to showcase their work in a professional setting.
Address: Kicik Qala str 5. Call +9940125052323. www.yarat.az. Open: Tue-Sun 12pm-8pm.
BARZA Art-Bureau
The Bureau is founded by Samira Sefi. It is a platform that serves as a bridge between Azerbaijani artists, the art world, and the public. BARZA undertakes curatorial projects, which involve selecting and presenting artworks for exhibitions and collections. Meanwhile, it facilitates the art market by leasing and selling artworks, making artistic expression accessible to collectors and enthusiasts in Baku.
Baku Museum of Modern Art
The Museum is prominent institution dedicated to showcasing Azerbaijani and international modern and contemporary art. The museum houses a vast collection of over 800 works. The collection features prominent Azerbaijani avant-garde artists like Rasim Babayev and Ashraf Murad offering a glimpse into the bold and innovative artistic expressions that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. While the focus is on Azerbaijani art, the museum also boasts masterpieces by world-renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall, often on loan from private collections.
Address: Yusif Safarov str 5. Call +994124908402. www.moma.az/en. Open 11am-8pm.
Tahir Salahov House Museum
Established in 2012, the museum serves as a tribute to Tahir Salahov, a People’s Artist of the USSR and a leading figure in modern Azerbaijani art. The House Museum is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in Azerbaijani art heritage. It offers a captivating journey through the life and artistic legacy of a master painter, providing a unique window into his creative process and inspirations. You’ll find Salahov’s graphic works, sketches, and even a collection of his carpets, offering a well-rounded perspective on his artistic interests.
Address: I. Afandiyev str 3. Call +994124921080. Open 10am-6pm.
Sattar Bahlulzadeh House Museum
The Sattar Bahlulzadeh House Museum is a tribute to the life and work of Sattar Bahlulzadeh, a prominent figure in Azerbaijani art and one of the most respected representatives of the Azerbaijani painting school of impressionism. Established in 1994, the museum celebrates the artistic legacy of Sattar Bahlulzade, who was honored with the titles of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and State Prize Laureate of the Azerbaijan SSR. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to delve into Bahlulzade’s life and artistic journey, showcasing his creative spirit and the influences that shaped his work.
Address: Humbatzadeh str. Call +9940124939634. Open: Tue-Sun 10am-5:30pm.
Baku Photography House
The house is a valuable space for photography enthusiasts in Baku. They showcase diverse photographic works, potentially provide a platform for local photographers, and contribute to promoting the art of photography. The house, in particular, has interest in supporting young and emerging photographers, potentially through dedicated exhibitions or workshops. The exhibitions are showcasing the beauty of Azerbaijani winter landscapes, architecture, cultural aspects of urban habitat by means of archive photos and in general highlighting the diversity of photographic subjects.
Address: Baku Old Town. facebook/bakuphotographyhouse. Open 10am-7pm.
NUR Art House
It is a vibrant space that fosters artistic appreciation in Baku. They offer a platform for both established and emerging artists, showcasing a variety of art forms that celebrate the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan while embracing contemporary artistic expressions. You can attend the exhibitions representing both modern and traditional Azerbaijani art forms, photography, paintings, visual story telling from all over the world.
Address: Icherisheher. Call +9940124970454. facebook/NurArtHouse. Open 12pm-7pm.
Tecili Photo
Tecili Photo is a community of young Azerbaijani photographers. They are passionate about showcasing the creative potential of the community members and fostering an avant-garde but yet a thriving photography scene in Azerbaijan. They participate in various art-oriented events by featuring members’s photography works and visual stories to gain exposure and recognition. Check their website to reach out the aspiring photographers of Baku via their Instagram accounts or visit their venue at Handircrafts Showroom for face-to-face engagement and discussion about photography and art.
Address: 143a Neftchilar Ave. teciliphoto.tilda.ws | instagram/teciliphoto
Beyond the Walls
So, whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a curious explorer, Baku’s art scene has something to offer. With its diverse offerings, Baku promises an enriching and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds. So, on your next visit, be sure to explore these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the artistic soul of Baku!
Azerbaijan Traveller 
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