National Art Museum of Azerbaijan: Delve into the Creative Past

Azerbaijan’s artistic charm is known to everyone. However, one must visit the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan to learn more about its artistic origins. So, if you are here, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting this incredible museum in Baku.

The museum is packed with a wealth of history and artistic remnants from the past that showcase how the artistic journey unfolded in Azerbaijan. It has a vast collection of masterpieces from Russia, Turkey, Japan, Western Europe, Iran, and China. Even the architecture of this museum is an artistic masterpiece.

The Azerbaijan National Art Museum is a cultural heritage that has a rich history, and more than 17,000 artistic exhibits, including Azerbaijan’s fine arts. In this post, we are going to discuss everything about this art museum.

A Brief History of the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan

The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is among the largest museums in the world. It was established in 1936 and was named after Rustam Mustafayev, who was a prominent Azerbaijani designer and theatre artist. The museum has over 15,000 artworks. Out of them 3,000 items are on permanent display in 60 rooms and the other 12,000 are in storage. These 12,000 items are periodically displayed so visitors can explore the vast art collection.

Azerbaijan National Museum of Art includes diverse collections of antique works of art, ceramic bowls, decorative lamps, archaic ornamentation, national costumes & carpets, and jewelry. The other decorative pieces of art displayed in this museum are artistic metalwork, carving in wood, embroidery, etc.

Different rooms in the museum depict diverse art forms from around the world. Some rooms exhibit European art, and some depict Russian art. European art includes Italian, French, German, Dutch, and Polish art. The museum has different floors, each depicting something from the ancient age.

For an art enthusiast, there is no better place to delve into the history of art in Azerbaijan. If you are in Azerbaijan and are an art connoisseur, the Azerbaijan National Art Museum is the best place to visit.

Best Time to Visit the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan

The National Art Museum is a year-round attraction that is crowded with tourists all the time. However, the best time to visit the museum is summer, autumn, and spring season. The winter season doesn’t offer favorable climate conditions for sightseeing. Due to the harsh winter, visitors can't go out. Therefore, most tourists choose to visit between March and October.

The climate plays a vital role in ensuring you make the most of your time exploring the beautiful art galleries of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art. When the temperature is pleasant and warm, you get to experience the magnificence of this museum. Also, spring is the festive season when the museum hosts unique cultural events.

One of the significant things to note down before deciding the best time to visit is that summer is a peak season, so you may experience high prices and crowded streets.

Things to Do Near National Art Museum Azerbaijan

The whole National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is a thing to witness. But once you are done with all the exploration, you can do other things in the city. You can indulge in various things and enjoy your time in the city. Here is the list of things you can do near the Art Museum:

• Try Mouthwatering Food

The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is surrounded by beautiful restaurants with incredible food and a peaceful ambiance. These restaurants are Chinar, Mezze, Natavan Restaurant, Manipura Ethic Local Food, Butter & Brot, and Pendir & Chorek.

There, you can taste flavorful food and immerse yourself in the traditional flavors of Azerbaijan. Some must-haves are Plov, Leaf Dolma, Kelem Dolma, Lavangi, Qutab, and Jiz-Biz. If you get hungry after exploring the museum, the best thing to do is to eat a plate of savory food.

• Explore Other Attractions Near Azerbaijan National Art Museum

There are various attractions in Baku City, where the art museum is located. You can visit them all in addition to the art museum. Besides visiting the National Art Museum, you can visit Flame Towers, Baku Boulevard, Nizami Street, Baku Eye, Maiden Tower, and Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. Baku is full of gems that are worth witnessing. So, when you are done appreciating the beauty of the National Art Museum, you can visit the nearby attractions.

• Indulge in Retail Therapy

The shopping experience in Baku, Azerbaijan, is unmatched. The local markets are always brimming with things to buy at reasonable prices, while expensive stores showcase famous brands. If you are exploring the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art here, you can go shopping at various nearby places. Some must-visit shopping destinations near the museum are Nizami Street, Folk Art, Park Bulvar Mall, Ganjlik Mall, 28 Mall, etc.

A tourist can buy different kinds of things from these shopping places, including Azerbaijani Carpets, Tea sets, Silk Scarves & Textiles, Azerbaijani wines & spirits, and traditional ceramics & pottery.

Visiting Hours and Days at the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan

The National Art Museum remains open on all days except Mondays. The visiting hours for tourists are between 10 am and 6 pm. You can visit the museum anytime between this time. It is important to note that before 10 am, you cannot be allowed to enter the museum. Also, you will not get any tickets after 5 pm.

While you can always get a ticket on the day of visiting the museum, if you want to avoid the last-minute crowd and long queue, you should book in advance. The other thing to remember while visiting this museum is that you can click the pictures inside the museum without a flashlight.

How to Reach the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan?

It is very comfortable to visit the National Art Museum. You can either take a bus, taxi, or metro. If you are on a budget trip, the bus is the best way to reach the museum. The bus is easily accessible and always available on the streets of Baku.

Another major transportation option for reaching the museum is the metro system. Metro is available throughout the city and mostly travels to popular tourist destinations. It is a fast and affordable option to visit the museum.

The last and most comfortable option is to book your own taxi to visit the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art. It can be an expensive option. But you do not have to face any inconvenience.

Explore: Top 10 Iconic Museums in Azerbaijan
 
Are You Ready to Unwind the Magic of Art with Dook?

The National Art Museum of Azerbaijan is the most significant attraction in the country. It is the one spot you must visit when you are coming to Azerbaijan. The museum is filled with artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and other ancient remnants.

If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, Dook International has you covered. We have affordable Azerbaijan tour packages that include everything you want to see and do on a holiday. Our Customized Azerbaijan travel packages are curated, keeping your travel needs in mind. We ensure you have a great time exploring the beautiful Azerbaijan. All you have to do is visit our official website and pick the tour package that suits you the best.

Know More about Azerbaijan:

10 Best Azerbaijan Cities That You Must Explore

Top 10 Azerbaijan Food