Heydar Aliyev cultural center

5.0

1972 ratings

Rate this place

Rostislav Z.

Level 11 Local Expert

A great place to visit if you are a tourist in Baku. A lot of fancy exhibitions like national costumes and clothes, paintings and music instruments. It is also possible to visit a nearby car museum with a lot of great retro cars. There is also a really great coffee shop, however, it is quite pricey and despite a great design and atmosphere I would recommend to visit another coffee place since u can find a huge variety of them in Baku.

Центр Города

Level 10 Local Expert

Обязательно к посещению в Баку! Причем, уверена, что в следующие визиты буду ездить в Центр Гейдара Алиева, независимо от того, что уже там бывала. Это место не для галочки, но для изменения взгляда, пищи для ума и радости глаза. Начиная от фантастической архитектуры, заканчивая наполнением - есть постоянные и временные экспозиции, все равно замечательные.

Muhammad Mohsin

Level 2 Local Expert

Good

Bela Ferenczi

Level 8 Local Expert

amazing place

Альбина Фаткулина

Level 12 Local Expert

The center was very pleased with its unusual building, which has no corners, as well as exhibitions inside. In addition to the main exhibitions, in March 2026 there was an exhibition of retro cars, a rich collection. Be sure to visit. I also liked the exhibition "Reborn in Water" by the American sculptor K. Ferman. The miniature city is located on the 1st floor, all the sights of Azerbaijan can be seen in a reduced form. Special praise goes to the exhibition dedicated to the life of Heydar Aliyev. An excellent idea with musical accompaniment is to get acquainted with the national musical instruments of the republic.

See original · Русский

Rina

Level 10 Local Expert

To be honest, I approached the visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center with a fair amount of skepticism. This place is featured in all guidebooks, and usually such "mandatory" points disappoint: a beautiful picture from the outside and emptiness inside. I thought I'd be wasting my time. How wrong I was! The center is a great creative space. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, but the main discovery was waiting inside. There is a lot of air, light and space. There are a lot of expositions, they are completely different: paintings, ancient musical instruments, modern installations, carpets! Time flew by completely unnoticed. I recommend you to visit!

See original · Русский

Роман Б.

Level 16 Local Expert

The visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center was one of the most vivid impressions of the trip to Baku. An incredible building with smooth, futuristic architecture looks very impressive both from the outside and inside, I want to consider every detail. The expositions are decorated in a modern and interesting way: there is a lot of information about the country, culture and history, everything is presented in an understandable and visual form, so that time flies by unnoticeably. The interior is very clean, spacious and bright, the staff are polite and ready to help with any questions, which makes it really comfortable to be there. I am sure that the Heydar Aliyev Center is a place that every tourist should include in the program, and I would love to come back here again.

See original · Русский

Александр

Level 14 Local Expert

I've seen a lot of photos, but the live Heydar Aliyev Center makes a completely different impression. This is not just a museum, but a real architectural poem. The feeling that the building is alive and breathing. The national spirit and the boldest avant-garde are very subtly and cleverly intertwined here. Definitely moon-see! I was most impressed by how the light plays on these white waves of the facade in the evening. There is an amazing atmosphere inside — spacious, bright and very modern.

See original · Русский

Роман

Level 6 Local Expert

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center makes a strong impression primarily with its futuristic architecture. Inside there is a high-tech exhibition with interactive installations, holograms and digital archives. It allows you to get acquainted with the latest history of Azerbaijan. The center is required to visit.

See original · Русский

Мария Н.

Level 21 Local Expert

If you don't have a photo with these futuristic curves, have you been to Baku? A modern symbol of the city. The architecture is impressive. The content is no less impressive. We were on 04/14/2026 -landscaping works are actively underway -therefore, a photo of a lonely building on a hill will not work) White color, modern architecture, not just museums, but a public interactive space. One of the most fascinating installations is "Dance of the Kalaghayi" (Air Fountain - Dance of the Kalaghayi) This is a unique kinetic sculpture created by New York artist Daniel Wertzel. What's the secret? The finest silk fabrics (the colors of the Azerbaijani flag and the traditional ornaments of the kelagai, the national women's shawl, which is included in the UNESCO Heritage List) float and dance in the air thanks to invisible air vortices. You can stand and watch endlessly. This sight perfectly complements the Zaha Hadid building. Just as the building itself resembles a frozen wave, these handkerchiefs show an endless, smooth movement in which there are no sharp corners. Permanent exhibitions: ✔️Interactive life story of the country's leader The Masterpieces of Azerbaijan: A unique collection covering the entire history of culture: from the ancient rock paintings of Gobustan to national costumes, carpets and musical instruments. ✔️Mini Azerbaijan: Miniature models of more than 45 historical and modern buildings of the country. We also got temporary exhibitions. ✔️"Reborn in the water". Large-scale solo exhibition by American sculptor Carol Ferman. 31 hyper-realistic works are presented, where water acts as a symbol of memory and rebirth. They're alive, to the point of trembling when they're around. ✔️"Superheroes of the Wild" is a project by famous sculptors Jilly and Mark Shuttner. Through the images of the popular Dogman and Rabbitwoman characters, artists draw attention to the protection of endangered animal species. ✔️And about 10 others we settled on 04/14/26 The cost is 15 manats. We spent at least 4 hours there.

See original · Русский

Екатерина Смыслова

Level 9 Local Expert

Delight. Hadid's magnificent architecture, interesting exhibitions - we got to Botero, national costumes and musical instruments and an exhibition of dolls, a pleasant cafe on the 1st floor. I sincerely recommend it.

See original · Русский

Marina August

Level 20 Local Expert

A place that you definitely need to visit in order to appreciate the bright and unusual exhibitions of paintings, admire the incredible collection of dolls, get acquainted with the history of carpet creation, and just get real aesthetic pleasure.

See original · Русский

Яна Саввина

Level 7 Local Expert

A must-visit! The cost is 15 manat/person. The museum features modern art, retro cars of the president, a section with carpets (you don't even have to go to the carpet museum separately), and a section with musical instruments. I really liked the pavilion, which raises the issue of plastic in the oceans through paintings and installations.

See original · Русский

Anton Amelto

Level 25 Local Expert

It is an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid, which serves as a major cultural center with a museum, exhibition halls and a conference center. The building and its grounds impress with their scale and unique parametric design, which was awarded the Design of the Year Award in 2014.

See original · Русский

Наталья Осипова

Level 8 Local Expert

A building with beautiful architecture, inside the exhibition of modern authors: sculptures of lovers in the image of a dog and a hare, a gallery of paintings with a llama traveling around Baku, an exhibition of sculptures of swimmers in swimsuits. Modern art was not understood, only the installation at the entrance with three flying scarves in the color of the flag was appreciated. And then, they were always falling down and the guard came up to put them back in place.

See original · Русский

Руслан Сайдуллин

Level 25 Local Expert

As a guest in Baku, be sure to visit this center and the surrounding area. The building looks very graceful and interesting. Very well maintained and clean space nearby. The building is very large inside, which sometimes makes it seem like it's a little empty or everything has already been collected. Although there is something to show in the Republic with its centuries-old culture.

See original · Русский

Екатерина

Level 21 Local Expert

There are many expositions, permanent and temporary. The Heydar Aliyev Museum, the Carpet Museum, the musical instruments museum, the doll exhibition are very nice, the art exhibitions ... we watched with great pleasure. We were with rejonk for 5 years, he wasn't particularly interested, he got tired quickly, but he went and watched anyway) He was delighted with the hall of musical instruments: you approach the instrument, the sensor turns on and the music plays))) It was a complete delight! Well, he also rode off the sloping walls))) The guard came up and warned that it was dangerous. The impression from the center is this: It is very similar to the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg and the expo in Astana. And I'm also glad that I saw with my own eyes a building that is iconic in architecture :) By the way, there are queues of tourists in the morning. There was no queue after lunch.

See original · Русский

Надежда Т.

Level 15 Local Expert

An impressive architectural marvel! No straight lines! The interior is also very impressive, there is a lot of space and air. Interesting exhibitions. A half-day visit is required during the tour in Baku

See original · Русский

Владимир Карабинов

Level 30 Local Expert

It's a great museum. The entrance fee is 15 azn museum + 10 azn car exhibition. Large spaces are the freedom of self-expression of bloggers who copy trends with dancing. The museum presents both pop and ethnic exhibitions with the history and flavor of Azerbaijan. As a business card of the city, it is worth visiting.

See original · Русский

Марина Абабекова

Level 11 Local Expert

When my son suggested visiting the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, I couldn't even imagine the scale of this creation by one of the greatest architects of our time, Zaha Hadid! The center is rightfully included in the top five of its brilliant architectural masterpieces!!! She broke all the laws of architecture and proved that a woman is worthy of the Pritzker Prize. What I saw inside was a brain explosion: I had never seen anything like it. A huge space of several thousand square meters smoothly flowing into each other! It feels like you're in zero gravity. I'm in wild delight, I still can't get over what I saw! Heydar Aliyev can be proud of his heir: his name is immortalized in this masterpiece of architecture for centuries!!! And I am happy that I had the opportunity to see this miracle!! If you have a desire to visit Baku, you should definitely include a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in the program, and I promise you that you will not regret it!!! In general, Baku is quite a European city, very clean, cultured, with delicious restaurants, unique architecture designed in the same style and friendly citizens!!!! 🙏🏻👍❤️

See original · Русский

Oksana

Level 26 Local Expert

It is impressive from the first minutes of the visit. A monumental building, beautiful exhibitions on several floors. There is also a cafe on site, you can have a snack) a masterpiece from Zaha Hadid, a symbol of the city of Baku ❤️ feel free to plan a visit, you will be delighted

See original · Русский

Оксана Тедеева

Level 18 Local Expert

A must-visit! We were a family with a six-year-old child, everyone was delighted 🎉 modern museum, lots of interactive content. It was the right decision to start the April vacation with this museum. The building was built according to the prototype of the painting of Heydar Aliyev, and it is impressive. Comfortable, clean, there is a cafeteria, more for snacking and drinking coffee than having lunch, although there seemed to be hot dishes.

See original · Русский

Андрей Мачин

Level 8 Local Expert

You can delete any other museum in Baku except the Aliyev Center from the programs! A truly modern multicultural center, where there is a place for completely different expositions, It is a very good idea to combine both modern art and traditional crafts in an unusual futuristic building. The interior space is made of white gloss and glass, the elegant wide staircase to the second floor magically attracts the eye and those who want to take pictures, breaks stereotypes and orientation in space when descending it! I'm not talking about very unusual exhibitions under one roof. An exhibition of (modest) Heydar Aliyev cars, a chic and very diverse exhibition of dolls made with humor and extreme similarity to living prototypes, an exhibition of miniature and unusual bronze sculptures in which you will definitely hang, an exhibition of carpets, national instruments from around the world that will sound when you approach, and much more. We were thrilled. And unusual photos on the surface and background of the building are provided for you! Perhaps one of the most interesting places in Baku! What is called a must have!

See original · Русский

Галина Клименко

Level 6 Local Expert

The most pleasant impressions from visiting the Cultural Center. The building is a real futuristic future. I was very pleased with the fact that in addition to exhibits telling about the life of the first President of Azerbaijan, G. Aliyev, the Center constantly hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. Not a disadvantage, but rather an inconvenience for people with weak vestibular apparatus, it is worth noting the white color of the stairs in this building, which do not have right angles. I highly recommend visiting the Cultural Center. Otherwise, the experience of visiting this country will be incomplete.

See original · Русский

Spirit•Of•Travel🪂

Level 30 Local Expert

It is a beautiful, aesthetic and harmonious modern complex. The building itself as a work of art is an interesting design. The complex houses several exhibitions: cars, carpets, dolls, models of Baku buildings, the story of Aliyev's life, an art gallery, etc. There is a cafe with drinks and desserts. The place is definitely top 3 in Baku, a must-visit!

See original · Русский

Елена Васильева

Level 7 Local Expert

I was very impressed. Especially the exhibition of musical instruments. You stand on the mat in front of the instrument and hear its sound. In general, there are a lot of interactive pieces, we were going to look in for a couple of hours, but they were filled in for about 4 hours. The doll exhibition is also a masterpiece. Definitely a must-visit

See original · Русский

Евгений

Level 9 Local Expert

I definitely advise you to visit this place, a very cool and modern museum. Also, for car lovers, there is a wonderful collection of retro cars at the bottom for a ticket price of only 10 manats.

See original · Русский

Митя

Level 12 Local Expert

It's a great museum. The entrance fee is 15 manats . There are various exhibitions on the floors about the color of Azerbaijan and modern art. In another part, there is the Heydar Aliyev Museum, his life story, and gifts from other presidents.

See original · Русский

Евгений Никифоров

Level 7 Local Expert

A modern and very informative cultural center. The unique story of the country's leader surrounded by objects of modern art, cars and installations in the ultra-modern Zaha Hadid building. I didn't have time to watch everything in one day, I will definitely come back!

See original · Русский

Татьяна В.

Level 11 Local Expert

A must-visit! Starting with the futuristic exterior design of the building itself, the interior expositions and exhibitions are very interesting! We got a lot of impressions, here is the biography of Heydar Aliyev, the history of Azerbaijan, national costumes, musical instruments, and modern art!!!

See original · Русский

Ирина Ш.

Level 20 Local Expert

A must-visit, a few hours fly by very quickly. There are layouts of the city's attractions, you can determine for yourself what you want to visit on the spot. You can find the history of the country, musical instruments and an exhibition of carpets, modern art and, most of all, really impressive dolls.

See original · Русский

Айжан Абди

Level 4 Local Expert

I really liked the Heydar Aliyev Center! The building is impressive — unusual and beautiful architecture, everything is thought out to the smallest detail. I visited the exhibition “Silhouettes of Dreams” inside Andrey Ostashov's incredible works are filled with meaning and emotions. A great place for inspiration!

See original · Русский

Катя

Level 8 Local Expert

It was very pleasant, we got there in a wild downpour and in contrast to the weather it was generally beautiful. Nice installations, the only thing is, the top floor with circus paintings is not particularly interesting. They were everywhere except for retro cars. I especially liked folk culture and miniatures.

See original · Русский

Наталья. Д.

Level 14 Local Expert

We visited this center in June 2025, a place that is primarily interesting for its architecture. But, during our visit, there was a renovation near the building. It spoiled the impression a bit. Exhibitions are held inside and there are permanent exhibitions. There is an exhibition Azerbaijan in miniature, where all the main sights of Azerbaijan are presented. We liked the doll show the most, very beautiful handmade dolls with incredible costumes.There is an exhibition with musical instruments, which is also very interesting and informative.The place should be visited as the main attraction of Azerbaijan. The entrance fee is 15 manats.

See original · Русский

Наталия

Level 30 Local Expert

A very interesting building, perfectly integrated into the space. Huge, comfortable inside. There is a museum dedicated to Heydar Aliyev, an exhibition of gifts from presidents, including ours. A collection of cars, folk instruments, carpets, and models of significant buildings are presented.… You can't list everything. A wonderful exhibition of handmade dolls. We were stuck for 3 hours, if not more. We could have spent the whole day, but we decided that it would be better to come back again. The entrance fee is 15 manat, which is 750 re. Tolerable)) And yes, I agree that there is not enough information in Russian, although you can take an audio guide. I remembered the words of Muslim Magomayev: "Azerbaijan is my father. Russia is my mother" And I would like to talk to my mother in Russian)) And Baku is beautiful and the people are wonderful, we are charmed, and we wish you the same! ☀️🫶🏻

See original · Русский

Сергей Викторович П

Level 8 Local Expert

Были с друзьями на выходных, потрясающая выставка кукол, автомобилей и ковров. Очень понравился звуковой ряд на экспозиции музыкальных инструментов, где можно слушать каждый инструмент. Великолепно. В исторической части сделано очень круто, однако не понравилось, что все озвучено только на английском языке хотелось бы послушать прямую речь Алиева, но не в тексте на английском. Русского языка нет.! Это большое упущение этого музея. На английском-вражеском есть, а на дружественном русском языке нет, причем туристы в основном русскоговорящие. В обед в кафе много туристов и сотрудников, проще немного подождать и потом спокойно попить кофе. Советую этот музей всем туристам 👍. Я впечатлен, молодцы!

MrModeller

Level 9 Local Expert

Stunning avant-garde architecture and interiors by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects bureau. The exhibitions are good for both ethnographic and contemporary art. The tickets aren't cheap, but it's worth it.

See original · Русский

Алекс

Level 18 Local Expert

Very cool, modern architecture, bomb installations on the territory. It's a pity I didn't go inside, as it was closed that day. But through the window display cases you can see that it is very interesting and exciting there! I recommend to see it!

See original · Русский

Елена Ложкина

Level 12 Local Expert

Interesting, modern space, cool architecture, wonderful exhibitions inside the center, both permanent and temporary. There is a museum of national carpets, national musical instruments, costumes, and tableware. The ticket price is 15 manats, which is about 750 rubles. In general, it is worth visiting this institution.

See original · Русский

Татьяна М

Level 7 Local Expert

An extremely interesting place. Even the building itself cannot leave you indifferent..the doll exhibition is just wonderful, there is also an exhibition of carpets, cars and much more. We were there for 3 hours and regretted that we arrived late..There wasn't enough time for everything. Be sure to visit

See original · Русский

Евгений 1

Level 18 Local Expert

Interesting and very beautiful architecture. We can go for a walk and watch. I liked the carpet exhibition. Of the cons: 1. Non-interactive in Russian. 2. Inflated ticket price for Baku guests

See original · Русский

Наргиз

Level 13 Local Expert

Mega cool cultural space on 6 floors. Very interesting exhibitions. Each floor represents different trends and eras, from antiquity to modernity. There is also a cafe. I recommend you to visit. It is necessary to lay at least half a day.

See original · Русский

Ирина Забаранкова

Level 30 Local Expert

The center itself is amazing in its architecture, there are practically no straight lines here. Mostly exhibitions and lectures are held here. Admission costs 15 manats for foreigners, with this ticket you can visit all exhibitions except cars, you will need to buy an additional ticket of 10 manats. The center is open from 11:00 to 19:00, on weekends until 18:00. Monday is a day off.

See original · Русский

Serge

Level 27 Local Expert

A brilliant example of birdshit architecture. A pompous building in a residential area, surrounded by new buildings. Even from the nearest metro station, it's a twenty-minute walk, bus stops are 300 meters away, the center was not built for ordinary people. There is nothing to see, the exhibits have no cultural value, and the entrance fee (15 manats) is three to four times too high. On the one hand, the center is being renovated, on the other, it has already begun to fall apart (marble tiles in the photo). A separate fail is the invisible steps on the south side, you can easily break your arm or leg, keep an eye on the children!

See original · Русский

Ксения К

Level 30 Local Expert

The posh center We took a guide and watched the expositions for three hours I especially liked the scope and spaciousness An exhibition of national costumes, instruments and an exhibition of dolls There is a separate room with carpets. Be sure to visit

See original · Русский

Мария Михеева

Level 14 Local Expert

A beautiful place both outside and inside. There are a large number of interesting sculptures, various exhibitions are held inside and mini replicas of the sights and significant buildings of the city are presented. I recommend definitely taking a walk around the center, and if the weather is rainy, go inside.

See original · Русский

Наталья

Level 26 Local Expert

An interesting contemporary art center! I don't think it's necessary to visit, but if you have a lot of time and have looked at everything, you can go in. Exhibitions on various subjects, we personally really liked musical instruments, a miniature city, dolls and retro vehicles, colorful cars!

See original · Русский

Алексей

Level 21 Local Expert

It's a beautiful building, with an interesting retro car exhibit inside. Unfortunately, we didn't get to the second floor, as the museum closes quickly.

See original · Русский

Михаил Полищук

Level 7 Local Expert

A magnificent center! Architecture alone is worth something! A very informative and diverse exposition on the history and culture of Azerbaijan, interesting interiors. One of the disadvantages is that I would like to have more pointers inside. Must-visit in Baku!

See original · Русский

Юля

Level 9 Local Expert

It's an amazing building! However, landscaping is currently underway and it is difficult to get around and photograph it from different angles. Exhibition: three floors of history. And five floors: musical instruments, dolls, carpets, etc. I was more impressed by the car show! I definitely recommend it)

See original · Русский

Heydar Aliyev cultural center

817 reviews