Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is a purpose-built institution in Baku dedicated to the preservation and display of Azerbaijani carpet weaving heritage. Its distinctive architecture resembles a rolled carpet, making it a recognisable landmark along the Caspian Sea waterfront. The museum holds the country's major collection of regional carpets and related decorative arts. It serves as a cultural repository for traditions that UNESCO has recognised as intangible heritage. Exhibition: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–20:00. Ticket office: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–19:00. Closed Monday. Exhibition: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–20:00. Ticket office: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–19:00. Closed Monday.

The museum presents the country's major collection of regional carpets alongside textiles, metalwork, ceramics, and jewellery. These collections span historical periods and regional styles from across Azerbaijan. Visitors encounter flat-woven and pile carpets with distinct technical and design characteristics associated with different towns and villages. The textile holdings complement the carpet displays with embroidered and woven fabrics. Metalwork, ceramics, and jewellery pieces provide broader context for Azerbaijani material culture and decorative traditions beyond fibre arts alone. The separately ticketed Jewelry Collection opens Tuesday and Thursday 10:00–16:00 and Saturday 11:00–16:00.

A thorough visit requires approximately one and a half to two hours for visitors who wish to examine the carpet collections with reasonable attention. Those with specialised interest in textile history or regional design variations may prefer longer stays. The museum's layout across multiple floors means visitors should account for movement between levels. Casual visitors might complete a circuit more quickly, but the density of pattern detail and regional variety rewards slower observation. The Jewelry Collection costs an additional 3 AZN. Standard admission is 7 AZN for local visitors and 10 AZN for foreign visitors. The Jewelry Collection costs an additional 3 AZN.

Visitors should verify current opening times directly with the museum before planning their visit, as schedules may change seasonally or for maintenance. The museum's location on the Baku waterfront means exterior photography conditions vary throughout the day. Morning visits may offer quieter conditions for viewing detailed textile work. Exhibition: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–20:00. Closed Monday. Exhibition: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–20:00. Ticket office: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–19:00. Closed Monday. The museum is at 28 Mikayil Huseynov Avenue in Baku’s Seaside National Park. Baku Metro identifies Icherisheher and Sahil as the nearest stations.

Admission policies may distinguish between residents and international visitors, with common practices at Azerbaijani state museums suggesting variable pricing structures. Some national museums offer free entry on certain days, though this is not confirmed for this institution. Visitors should carry identification and local currency. Standard admission is 7 AZN for local visitors and 10 AZN for foreign visitors. Standard admission is 7 AZN for local visitors and 10 AZN for foreign visitors. The Jewelry Collection costs an additional 3 AZN. Measures have been implemented for visitors using wheelchairs. Inclusive programs serve visitors with mobility, visual and hearing impairments.

The museum occupies a prominent position on Baku's waterfront promenade, making it accessible on foot from nearby hotels and the Old City area. Public transport options serve the general waterfront district, though specific routes require local verification. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate widely in central Baku. The museum is at 28 Mikayil Huseynov Avenue in Baku’s Seaside National Park. Baku Metro identifies Icherisheher and Sahil as the nearest stations. Inclusive programs serve visitors with mobility, visual and hearing impairments. The permanent exhibition includes touchable replicas, Braille captions and audio recordings in Azerbaijani, English and Russian.

The waterfront location exposes visitors to strong sun and wind from the Caspian Sea, requiring appropriate clothing and eye protection. Museum interiors may maintain controlled conditions for textile preservation that feel cool relative to outdoor summer temperatures. Some carpet displays may be periodically rotated or removed for conservation, so specific notable pieces cannot be guaranteed visible. Measures have been implemented for visitors using wheelchairs. The permanent exhibition includes touchable replicas, Braille captions and audio recordings in Azerbaijani, English and Russian. Sign-language interpretation is available through an accessible virtual tour and guided-tour provision.

The museum's distinctive rolled-carpet exterior offers strong photographic opportunities from multiple angles along the waterfront promenade. Visitors should observe signage and staff instructions regarding camera use. The building's reflective surfaces and curved forms present technical challenges for photographers. Early morning or late afternoon exterior light may enhance the architectural photography possibilities, while overcast conditions reduce harsh shadows on the pale facade. Sign-language interpretation is available through an accessible virtual tour and guided-tour provision. The current building was designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz as a rolled carpet and has housed the museum since 2014.