Carpet Museum Baku Azerbaijan: Complete Travel Guide

The Carpet Museum Baku is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich weaving traditions through centuries-old designs and unique craftsmanship. Its stunning architecture and diverse collections make it a must-visit for culture lovers. Planning a trip is easy too—thanks to the convenient e-Visa Azerbaijan system, which lets travelers enter the country quickly and enjoy this remarkable museum without hassle.

A Glimpse into Azerbaijan's Carpet Heritage

Azerbaijan is a nation that is located in the South Caucasus region and has a long and rich history that dates back to thousands of years. It has gotten a strategic position of being at the cross-roads of Europe and Asia and as a result, has been culturally fused in a very unique way that is most evidently shown in the art of carpet weaving. Azerbaijan carpets are famous due to their versatile design, bright colors, and profession and art utilized to produce them. It is a very special kind of art in the hearts of the Azerbaijan people and it is something that represents their identity. Currently, the variety can be observed in the carpets of Azerbaijan in the Baku Carpet Museum.

Carpet weaving in Azerbaijan dates back to the years of antiquity. Archaeological evidence indicates that weaving of carpets in the region could have begun way back in the 5th century BC in the Iron Age. Initially being used in burial mounds, these early carpets are a witness of the long-term weaving tradition in Azerbaijan.

The outside appearance of the Carpet Museum Baku Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijani carpets are distinguished by their own design, tricks, and figures. Their versatility is also famous and they can be applied in different purposes, including flooring, wall hangings, prayer carpet, and even horse covers. Azerbaijan carpets have a great variety of patterns and symbols that indicate the history and culture of the region and its environment. As an example, the design feature common in Azerbaijani carpets was the so-called buta, commonly known as the paisley, a widely used motif in the carpets that is said to represent fire, which bears some historical relevance in the area, referring to Zoroastrianism.

The Carpet Museum - A Cultural Landmark

The Carpet Museum in Baku was opened in 1967. It was first established in Javad Khan Street Building and in 2014, it was transferred to the present site in Baku Bay. Franz Janz, an Austrian architect, designed the new building that can be considered a piece of art. It is designed in the shape of a rolled up carpet and its framework seems to be that of a stylized corner of the carpet.

It looks like a perfect blend of modern design with the details that are in honor of the well-established tradition of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. The museum building itself serves as the evidence of the purpose of this museum: to demonstrate the development of Azerbaijani carpet art and to enhance the perception of this great cultural heritage and respect it.

When located at the shore of the Caspian Sea, the museum offers its visitors not only the view that is breathtaking but also the symbol of the historical significance of Baku as a commercial and cultural center. Carpets are an essential element of the economy and culture of Azerbaijan, both as the object of trade and cultural heritage that brings Azerbaijan to the rest of the Silk Road.

The Carpet museum's architecture is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition

The Carpet Museum Building - A Work of Art

The new building of the Carpet Museum is an authoritative masterpiece building that has won global recognition. The building is designed like a rolled-up carpet and is a tribute to the topic it is related to, which is why the institution is so outstanding in the world of museums.

It is a combination of concrete and glass that produces the complex designs of the Azerbaijan carpets on the facade of the building. The day to night lighting sheds light on the exterior making the museum look like a shining jewel in the skyline of Baku. Its unique design has seen it become a manifestation of the cultural diversity in Azerbaijan and architectural creativity.

Explore more about the 7 best museums in Azerbaijan that depict history and art.

What you can see from Carpet Museum Baku Azerbaijan

The interior of the museum is also magnificent. The galleries are well positioned to display the development of Azerbaijan weaving of carpets. Spanning classic motifs and ancient carpet patterns to modern interpretations and artistic producers, the museum is an all-around experience of the history of the Azerbaijani carpets as well as their artistry.

It is an interesting and educative experience to visitors in the galleries that are well-lit with contemporary exhibition techniques. Thousands of carpets with their own stories and meaning belong to the collection of the museum. The careful curation permits the visitors to enjoy the details of design, color, and craft.

Explore the Carpet collection at the Museum

Explore the Carpet diversity

This is what you may see in the Carpet Museum Baku:

• Historical Carpet Collection: The museum contains a large amount of historical Azerbaijani carpets. These carpets are centuries old and give a clue on how the carpets weaving developed in the area. By observing the evolution of design motives, materials and techniques, you can see how they changed.
• Traditional Carpet Designs: The museum displays different types of traditional Azerbaijani carpet designs and motifs. These patterns are usually symbolic in nature and are based on nature, folklore and cultural traditions. Learn about the complex designs and bright colors of the Azerbaijan carpets.
• Modern Interpretations: The museum also has modern interpretations of the Azerbaijani carpet art along with the traditional one. These contemporary works of artists and designers are those in which the old motifs are used in new and innovative designs.
• Interactive Displays: It has interactive displays that include part of the museum where different displays provide detailed information about the techniques used in carpet weaving, the meanings of various motifs, and the cultural background of carpets in Azerbaijan.
• Artifacts and Tools: You may see different artifacts in the form of carpet weaving such as traditional looms, tools and materials in which weaving took place. The objects assist the visitor in knowing how Azerbaijan carpets are made.
• Restored Carpets: The museum has a restoration and conservation department which is involved in the restoration and preservation of antique carpets. A few of these recovered carpets are on display, which gives one an opportunity to observe both the pre- and post-state of these carpets and appreciate the amount of effort it takes to preserve them.

Some of traditional handmade rug in Carpet Museum Baku

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Carpet Museum Baku Extra Travel Guide For Travelers

Carpet Museum Baku ticket price:

Book a tour for yourself and experience one of the unique landmark Carpet Museum Baku in Azerbaijan. The price is classified below (According to 2023): 

• For adults: 7 AZN
• For schoolchildren and students: 3 AZN
• Guided tours: 12 AZN

The current exchange rate of Azerbaijan to USD: 1.00 AZN = 0.59 USD

Carpet Museum Baku opening hours:

• TUESDAY – FRIDAY: 10:00-18:00
• SATURDAY – SUNDAY: 11:00-19:00
• Closed: Monday

Photography: Photography is typically allowed inside the museum, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules or restrictions. Capturing the intricate details of the carpets and the unique architecture in Baku is a great way to remember your visit.

Multilingual Materials: While English information is often available, some exhibits may only be labeled in Azerbaijani. Download a translation app or bring a pocket dictionary to help you understand the descriptions fully.

Obtain an e-visa:

Before visiting this incredible national Carpet museum Baku, travelers must obtain an Azerbaijan e-visa. This type of visa is released to simplify the paperwork process of the government and help travelers to get visas easily. The process will take 03 business days to grant an e-visa; however, travelers should apply as soon as possible due to the high tourism season. Travelers can check their eligibility by accessing the link and preparing all the required documents.

If you are interested in exploring more about Azerbaijan’s rich artistic heritage, don’t miss the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan for a deeper cultural experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Carpet Museum Baku Azerbaijan is a remarkable destination that preserves the nation’s artistic legacy through stunning carpets, traditional weaving techniques, and cultural exhibits. A visit here offers deep insight into Azerbaijan’s history and craftsmanship. To ensure a smooth journey, don’t forget to apply for your Azerbaijan e-Visa online in advance, allowing you to focus on exploring Baku’s rich heritage and the beauty housed within this iconic museum.