The Azerbaijan Museum of Arts is renowned as the largest art museum in the republic, boasting an impressive collection of over 17,000 exhibits. Established in 1936 and named after the esteemed artist Rustam Mustafayev, the museum’s history reflects its growth from a department of the state museum to an independent institution. Today, the museum is housed in two elegant buildings dating back to the late 19th century.
Visitors to the museum can explore a diverse array of artworks, featuring pieces by national painters as well as artists from the Middle East, Europe, and Russia. Initially, the museum operated as a section of the state museum, but by 1936, the collection had expanded significantly, prompting the decision to elevate it to an independent entity. The early years saw the museum moving from one location to another until, in 1951, it was allocated the Debur House. In the early 21st century, specifically in 2003, the museum expanded further with the addition of a second building.
With 60 exhibition halls displaying nearly 3,000 pieces, the museum features works by European artists in seven rooms of the original building, while ten rooms are dedicated to Russian painters. Separate galleries showcase the talents of masters from Iran, Turkey, and Japan. The new building is entirely devoted to national art, including paintings, metalwork, ceramics, and traditional crafts such as costumes, jewelry, and pottery. Visitors can also admire exquisite carpets from various regions of Azerbaijan.
The collection spans antiquity and the medieval period, featuring figurines dating back to the 3rd century BC and engraved slabs. The painting collection includes works by realist artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as pieces from the Soviet era. One entire room is dedicated to the renowned landscape artist Sattar Bahlulzade. Russian art is well represented with masterpieces by famous 18th-century artists such as Rokotov and Borovitsky, and 19th-century luminaries like Bryullov, Venetsianov, Polenov, Shishkin, and Levitan. Local Azerbaijani artists also feature prominently, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The museum’s extensive collection of carpets and themed crafts includes items from Ganja, Kazakh, Karabakh, and Tabriz from the 18th century, as well as pieces from Kuba and Baku from the 19th century. The museum also houses collections of Italian painters, featuring works by Guercino, del Sarto, and Bartolini, alongside galleries dedicated to Flemish and Dutch artists. A small selection of French art is represented by paintings from Dupre, Fragonard, and Constan, who created a portrait of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
In the 1990s, the museum faced the threat of eviction from its historic building due to plans to relocate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there. However, prominent figures in the arts successfully lobbied for a reconsideration of this decision directly with the President of Azerbaijan.
The building that now serves as the museum’s first wing was constructed in 1893, designed by Nikolai von der Nonne. The Debur Palace, facing the sea, is regarded as the only historical structure in the city with a three-dimensional visual representation against the backdrop of the surrounding flat architecture. This magnificent edifice can be conveniently appreciated from all angles, highlighting its beautiful portico and sculptural medallion at the main entrance.
For pedestrians, the best access to the museum is from the boulevard via the underpass at the start of Niyazi Street, as crossing the road can be challenging. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 10 Manat, while local residents pay only 5 Manat, and there is no charge for photography.
Exhibits are displayed across four floors, with several attendants available on each level to guide visitors through the recommended order of the rooms. The first room features busts of notable Azerbaijani artists, followed by several galleries showcasing paintings primarily by lesser-known Flemish and Italian artists from the 16th to 18th centuries, as well as works by Russian artists and busts of historical figures such as Seneca, Dante, Voltaire, and Napoleon. The second and third floors house collections of ancient pottery, weaponry, carpets, and pewter artifacts. The top floor features contemporary pieces by local artists.
Additionally, the museum offers a fascinating display of old war helmets, weaponry, and an array of decorated pewter artifacts from Southern Azerbaijan, reflecting the region’s rich historical tapestry during a time when Azerbaijan encompassed a significant portion of what is now known as Iran.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 10 AZN
Address: 9/11 Niyazi St, Baku, Azerbaijan