Travel Plan
Heydar Aliyev Center

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · BAKU

Heydar Aliyev Center

Zaha Hadid's flowing white masterpiece, a cultural centre with no straight lines.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1–2 hours
Entry
Paid (exhibitions)
Best time
Late afternoon
Area
Narimanov

A flowing white building designed by Zaha Hadid.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Baku

  • Metro: Narimanov station, about 10 minutes' walk.
  • Taxi: About 10 minutes from the city centre.
  • Opening: Usually closed on Mondays; the park outside is open daily.

The story of the Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center was designed by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2012. Its white surfaces rise from the ground in a single wave, avoiding straight lines and sharp corners.

It won the Design Museum's Design of the Year award in 2014. Inside are a museum about the life of former president Heydar Aliyev, exhibition halls with art and design shows, and an auditorium.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Late afternoon light on the white curves, then sunset.

Mondays

Usually closed.

Tips before you go

  • Great for photos in the late afternoon.
  • Walk around the outside for photos from different angles; the shape changes as you move.
  • Check exhibitions inside before visiting.

Best hotels near the Heydar Aliyev Center

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers

Luxury hotel inside one of the Flame Towers.

See prices

Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Palace-style hotel by the boulevard and Old City.

See prices

JW Marriott Absheron Baku

Hotel facing the seafront and Government House.

See prices
All hotels near the Heydar Aliyev Center

What's around the Heydar Aliyev Center

  • Heydar Aliyev ParkLandscaped park with a lake.
  • Ganjlik MallShopping mall nearby.
  • Nizami StreetCity centre, 10 minutes away.
  • Flame Towers15 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask

Who designed the Heydar Aliyev Center?

Architect Zaha Hadid.

Is it worth going inside?

Yes, for the architecture and exhibitions.

When is it closed?

Usually on Mondays.

More in Baku

Flame Towers

Flame Towers

Read the guide
Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard

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Highland Park (Dagustu Park)

Highland Park (Dagustu Park)

Read the guide
Nizami Street

Nizami Street

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Heydar Aliyev Center Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure