Heydar Aliyev Center exterior, Baku — architectural photo by Anna Sol

Today I’d like to tell you about one of the most remarkable architectural landmarks in the world - the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

This post is a kind of teaser for my larger story about Baku, which is still in progress.

At first, I was going to include this center in the main article about the city. But after sharing a few Instagram stories from there — and receiving many questions about the building, its architecture, and its atmosphere — I realized that this truly unique cultural and architectural space deserves a separate post.

I wanted to bring you a little closer to it, through my photos and my own perspective.

Heydar Aliyev Center exterior in Baku — architectural photo by Anna Sol

Photographing the architecture of the Center turned out to be quite a quest - when I arrived, I discovered that construction and maintenance work was taking place all around the perimeter.

Capturing the building without fences or workers in the frame became a small challenge - though it also brought a few funny moments while I was searching for the right angle.

I was shooting handheld, in JPEG format, with no plans to clean later in Photoshop, so I tried to catch moments when the scene looked naturally balanced on its own. As much as possible, I wanted to convey the feeling of this space - to show both its outer and inner rhythm, the way this building breathes and curves.

Side view of Heydar Aliyev Center architecture, Baku — photo by Anna Sol

I’ve been to the Heydar Aliyev Center many times, yet every time I stand in front of it, I still feel my breath catch for a second.

I’m a very tactile person, texture, touch, and the feel of surfaces matter to me. Each time, I find myself wanting to run my hand along these soft, flowing lines - as if by touching them, I could understand the architect’s vision more deeply.

Now, let me tell you a little more about this place.

Architectural curves of Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku — photo by Anna Sol

The project was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid and realized by her studio, Zaha Hadid Architects, which won the international competition in 2007. Construction began soon after and was completed in 2012 , coinciding with the 89th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s birth.

The building, with a total area of about 101,000 square meters, includes a museum, exhibition galleries, a large conference hall, and educational spaces.

One of the main parts of the complex is the Heydar Aliyev Museum, spread across several levels. It tells the story of the national leader’s life and work, as well as the formation of modern Azerbaijani statehood and cultural identity. The exhibition features personal documents, awards, archival materials, and multimedia installations, while the ground floor displays the cars once used by Heydar Aliyev himself.

Among the permanent exhibitions is “Mini Azerbaijan” - a collection of detailed architectural models representing famous landmarks and monuments from across the country. Here you can see, in miniature, the Maiden Tower, the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, mosques, and the contemporary symbols of Baku.

View of Baku skyline from Heydar Aliyev Center — photo by Anna Sol

Another permanent exhibition, “Masterpieces of Azerbaijan,” focuses on the country’s historical and cultural heritage. It showcases decorative and applied arts - carpets, musical instruments, old coins, traditional clothing, and other artifacts that reflect the richness of Azerbaijani culture.

The complex also includes a separate Classic Car Collection — a permanent display of vintage automobiles that requires a separate ticket. It features rare models illustrating the evolution of automotive design throughout the 20th century.

Art installation at Heydar Aliyev Center park, Baku — photo by Anna Sol

Outdoor sculpture at Heydar Aliyev Center with Baku skyline — photo by Anna Sol

Today, the Heydar Aliyev Center is one of Baku’s leading cultural venues.

It hosts international exhibitions, design and architecture projects, concerts, theater performances and award ceremonies.

It is a space where contemporary art, architecture, and the national heritage of Azerbaijan come together in one rhythm - open, dynamic and inspiring.

Btw, in 2014, the Center received the Design of the Year Award from London’s Design Museum, and Zaha Hadid became the first woman ever to win the top prize in that category.

Visitors walking on terraces of Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku — photo by Anna Sol

And on this note, I’ll wrap up my story and leave you to simply enjoy the photographs - the interior, the atmosphere, and the unique design language of the Heydar Aliyev Center.

You’ll also see a few temporary exhibitions captured in my photos - the ones that were on display during my visit.

And yes, right now, the Center is hosting an exhibition by the renowned artist Fernando Botero, who sadly passed away not long ago.

So if you happen to be in Baku during this period, do visit - it’s absolutely worth seeing.