Museum History

The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art stands as the premier museum in the country. More than 18,000 exhibits are preserved in the museum fund consisting of six collections: "Painting", "Graphics", "Sculpture", "Embroidery", "Metal", "Archaeological ceramics and porcelain".

Within its walls, you'll discover a rich assortment of Azerbaijani art, including paintings, graphics, sculpture, and decorative and applied arts from different historical periods. Furthermore, the museum proudly showcases art from various cultures and countries, such as Western European, Russian, Islamic, and Far Eastern art. Particularly noteworthy is the museum's captivating collection of Russian avant-garde and Western European paintings spanning the 16th to the 20th centuries.

The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art offers various guided tours of the exposition. Additionally, the museum hosts educational and entertainment programs for children focusing on the history of art and also screens documentaries on Azerbaijani art and holds classical music concerts on weekends.

The museum is located in two ancient architectural buildings with unique solutions. In 2013, these two buildings were connected by a transition building in an avant-garde style, featuring predominantly glass and metal. This new central building of the museum is where contemporary art exhibitions are held.

By the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 94 dated 10 June 2011, the State Art Museum was granted the status of a national museum. In the same year, by the decision of the European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry (EEIG) located in Brussels, the ANMA received the certificate of ‘European Museum Standard’ (EuMS). Such recognition solidifies the museum's adherence to international standards, its commitment to providing top-notch museum services, and its wealth of professional experience.

During the past years, the museum was headed by People's artists of Azerbaijan Salam Salamzade, Kazim Kazimzade, Ibrahim Zeynalov, Chingiz Farzaliyev and other well-known artists. Shirin Malikova, Honored Culture Worker, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Associate Professor, is currently working as the director of the Azerbaijan  National Museum of Art.