If you’re planning a trip to Azerbaijan, visiting museums in Baku is one of the best ways to understand the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From ancient craftsmanship to modern art, Baku museums reflect the country’s unique position between East and West.
This guide highlights the best museums in Baku to experience outside the Baku Old Town (Icherisheher). It is perfect for travelers interested in history, art, architecture, and authentic cultural experiences.
🏛️ Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is one of the most famous cultural attractions in Baku. Dedicated to traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving — a UNESCO-recognized heritage — the museum showcases regional styles, patterns, and techniques dating back centuries.
Its unique rolled-carpet architecture along the Caspian Sea Boulevard makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
Best for: First-time visitors, culture lovers, photographers
Open: Tue-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-7pm. Mon: closed
Admission price: 10 AZN. Guide Service: 12 AZN
🏛️ National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
Located in the former residence of oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, this museum is the best place to understand Azerbaijan’s historical journey from ancient civilizations to the modern republic.
The combination of original interiors and rich collections makes it one of the top museums to visit in Baku. Best for: History enthusiasts, guided tours, educational travel
Combine this with our Baku Oil History Walking Tour.
Open: Tue-Sun: 10am-6pm, Mon: closed
Admission price: 15 AZN. Guide Service: 10 AZN
🏛️ Heydar Aliyev Center
Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most iconic buildings in Azerbaijan and a symbol of modern Baku. More than a museum, it functions as a cultural center hosting permanent and temporary exhibitions on history, art, and national identity.
The flowing, futuristic architecture alone makes it one of the top attractions in Baku — even for visitors who don’t usually visit museums. Best for: First-time visitors, architecture lovers, photography
Open: Tue-Sun: 10am-6pm, Mon: closed
Admission price: 15 AZN. Guide Service: 10 AZN
🎨 Museum of Modern Art Baku
Focused on Azerbaijani modern and avant-garde art, this museum reflects the country’s creative evolution during the late Soviet and post-independence periods.
Open: Tue-Sun: 11am-8pm, Mon: closed
Admission price: 5 AZN. Guide Service: 5 AZN
🎨 National Art Museum of Azerbaijan
As the country’s largest art museum, it presents Azerbaijani, Russian, and European art collections inside historic oil-boom mansions. It’s one of the most refined cultural attractions in Baku.
Click to see the list of the ongoing exhibitions
Open: Tue-Thu-Fri: 10am-6pm, Wed: 12pm-9pm. Sat-Sun: 11am-7pm. Mon: closed
Admission price: 10 AZN. Guide Service: 12 AZN
📚Museum of Miniature Books
A unique and charming stop in the Old City of Baku, this private museum features thousands of tiny books from across the world, a delight for book lovers and curious travelers alike.
Open: Everyday (occasionally closed without any notice)
Admission price: free. Donations are welcomed.
Combine this with our Baku Old Town Walking Tour.
🧭 Visiting Tips & Planning
- ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Most museums open between 10:00–11:00 and close by 17:00–19:00. Weekdays (Tue–Fri) are generally less crowded than weekends.
- 🎟️ Booking: Smaller museums like the Museum of Miniature Books and most public museums do not require advance booking; iconic centers like Heydar Aliyev often have timed slots for popular exhibitions.
- 🗺️ Combine Nearby Sights: Many of these museums are within walking distance of each other or near historic areas like the Old City (Icherisheher) — great for a cultural walking itinerary.
Azerbaijan Traveller 
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