Located in the Museum Center near the waterfront, the Azerbaijan Independence Museum occupies a space that once housed a branch of the Central Museum of V.I. Lenin. The museum features several halls with a detailed exhibition showcasing a range of fascinating artifacts related to the history of Southern Azerbaijan (within Iran), as well as extensive materials on the cultural history of the Azerbaijani people and the evolution of statehood.
Admission is 5 AZN per person, granting access to both the Independence Museum and the Museum of Musical Culture, which are situated on different floors of the same building.
While the exhibition is not particularly large—comprising photographs, maps, and reproductions—it is enriched by the passionate narratives of the museum’s guides, who conduct tours in both English and Russian. It is highly recommended to engage a guide, as the majority of the information (around 70%) is available only in Azerbaijani.
Since its founding on January 9, 1991, the museum’s collection has grown to include over 20,000 items, spanning periods from primitive society to the modern era. The museum’s primary mission is to showcase and promote the Azerbaijani people’s struggle for independence across various historical epochs.
The exhibitions reflect the life of the republic from ancient times to the end of the 19th century, including the history of the national liberation movement in the southern regions during the first half of the 20th century, the era of Stalinist terror, and the heroic deeds of Azerbaijani soldiers during World War II. Visitors can also explore the history of the national liberation movement in the late 20th century, as well as key moments from Azerbaijan’s recent history. A dedicated exhibition highlights the life and work of the national leader, Heydar Aliyev.
The museum’s halls display a variety of art objects, ranging from sculptures to cartography, alongside coins, rare books, paintings, and other memorabilia. The administrative office is located on the first floor of the left wing, while the museum’s collections are housed on the third floor.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 123A Neftchilar Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan
Ticket Price: 5 AZN