National Art Museum of Azerbaijan
Introduction
The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan, located on Niyazi Street in the heart of Baku, stands as a proud testament to the country’s rich artistic legacy. Housed within two elegant nineteenth‑century buildings—the historic De Boer Mansion and the former Mariinskaya Gymnasium—this museum offers visitors a captivating journey through centuries of Azerbaijani, European, Russian, and Eastern art. Its central location and stunning architecture make it a must‑visit cultural attraction.
About the Museum
Founded in 1936 from the fine‑arts department of the Azerbaijan State Museum and granted national status in 2011, the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan preserves and exhibits a collection that spans from antiquity to contemporary times.
The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 15 000 works, with approximately 3 000 items displayed across sixty rooms and around 12 000 preserved in storage. Exhibitions are rotated regularly so that visitors can enjoy an ever‑changing selection of masterpieces.
Inside, you will discover outstanding collections of Azerbaijani art—ranging from Bronze Age artifacts, ceramics, carpets, jewelry, and metalwork to paintings and graphics representing major trends from Safavid miniatures to twentieth‑century avant‑garde movements. The museum also houses significant European artworks, including pieces from the Italian Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age, as well as Russian realism, impressionism, and Soviet‑era works.
For sculpture and graphic enthusiasts, the museum displays creations by renowned Azerbaijani artists such as Fuad Abdurrahmanov, Mirali Mirgasimov, and Omar Eldarov, along with Western European and Russian graphic prints.
The facility also features a modern conservation laboratory that employs scientific restoration techniques to preserve paintings, sculptures, and applied arts, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain in excellent condition.
The two heritage buildings are connected by an avant‑garde glass and metal atrium added in 2013, which now houses contemporary art and a state‑of‑the‑art auditorium used for lectures, film screenings, and concerts.
Interesting Facts
- Architectural gem: The museum occupies two distinct nineteenth‑century structures—the De Boer Mansion (circa 1891–1895) and the Mariinskaya Gymnasium (built 1885)—connected by a contemporary central wing since 2013.
- Extensive holdings: Over 15 000 artworks, with about 3 000 displayed in sixty rooms and the remainder kept in storage; exhibitions are frequently rotated.
- Azerbaijani art span: Features nearly 10 000 Azerbaijani items, including carpets, embroidery, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and graphics from antiquity through the early twenty‑first century.
- Renowned artists: Holds works by pioneers such as Mirza Kadym Irevani, Mir Mohsun Navvab, Bahruz Kangarli, Sattar Bahlulzade, Tahir Salahov, Togrul Narimanbekov, and Maral Rahmanzade.
- Global connections: Hosts international exhibitions featuring art from Turkey, Iran, France, Japan, China, and Central Asia.
- Engaging public programs: Offers family and youth workshops, weekly children’s lectures and excursions, art‑therapy classes, weekend cartoon screenings, monthly lectures for adults, Saturday film screenings about world artists, and Wednesday musical performances—all free of charge.
- State-of-the‑art restoration: Scientific Restoration Department (established 2010) employs advanced methods to restore works across diverse art forms; also extends restoration services to public art and monuments in Baku and beyond.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +99412 492 0707
Website: nationalartmuseum.az/?lang=en
Facebook: facebook.com/nationalartmuseum.az
Conclusion
The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan in Baku is far more than a gallery—it is a vibrant cultural hub where history, artistry, and innovation intersect. From its impressive collection of Azerbaijani carpets, ancient artifacts, and genre‑spanning paintings to its dynamic schedule of lectures, performances, and educational programs, the museum offers a rich and immersive experience for all visitors.
Whether you are an art aficionado, a curious traveler, or a family seeking a meaningful cultural outing, this museum provides an unforgettable encounter with the creative soul of Azerbaijan. Each visit promises fresh discoveries, whether through rotated exhibitions, inspiring film screenings, or melodious Wednesday evening concerts. Celebrate the heritage and future of Azerbaijani art at this exceptional national treasure.
