The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural complex in Baku, designed by Zaha Hadid. Its curved, wave-like building is the main reason to come, and the exterior looks different from every angle. Inside, you will find rotating exhibitions on culture, art, history and design, a permanent museum on the life of Heydar Aliyev, and a classic car collection on one floor. Allow time for the grounds, where the landscaped paths suit a slow walk and photos.
A building without straight lines
Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect, designed the center. It opened on 10 May 2012, which would have been Heydar Aliyev's 89th birthday. Hadid was known as the Queen of the curve, and the building shows why. It has no straight lines and no corners, and its form rises like a wave.
The center sits on the newer part of the city, along Heydar Aliyev Avenue on the route from the international airport to the historic city. In 2014 the building received the Design of the Year award, and it has since become one of Baku's most photographed landmarks.
The curves are continuous, so the exterior changes as you walk around it. It rewards a full circuit before you go inside.
Inside the center
The complex has five exhibition halls. The permanent displays include a museum of national musical instruments, a doll museum, a carpet exhibition, a Tsereteli museum and a retro car exhibition. Other halls host temporary shows and concerts.
Miniature models of 45 major historical and cultural structures in Azerbaijan are on display, which gives a quick overview of the country's architecture. Folk instruments, traditional clothing, carpets and jewelry are also shown.
A museum spread over three floors covers the life and work of Heydar Aliyev, after whom the center is named. He was first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982 and president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003.
The car collection occupies one floor and traces the history of car making, from early vehicles to modern models. The building also holds a concert hall, a library, a conference hall and a restaurant, and there is a cafe inside.
Outside the building
The grounds are landscaped, with paths suited to a relaxed walk. The "I Love Baku" sign stands nearby and is a popular spot for photos. The exterior is lit in the evening, so the building looks different after dark.
The ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan lie about 60 km south-west of Baku. Day trips to the site are available if you have time to leave the city.
Planning your visit
Buy tickets ahead of time. Plan one to two hours to see the main floors, and add more time if you want the car collection in full.
Guided tours are available and help make the displays easier to follow. If you plan to visit the museum floors, start with the permanent exhibitions and then move through the temporary halls.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, so buy them before you visit.
How long do you need at the Heydar Aliyev Center?
Plan one to two hours to explore the floors comfortably. Add more time if you want to see the classic car collection in full.
Is the building worth seeing if I skip the museums?
Yes. The curved exterior is a main draw in its own right, and the grounds are open for photos and walks.
Is there food inside?
The building has a restaurant, and there is also a cafe inside.
