Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Performing arts center in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Heydar Aliyev Center is a performing arts venue in Baku with curved architecture featuring no straight lines, allowing space to flow seamlessly across multiple levels. Inside sit a large concert hall, exhibition galleries, and multipurpose spaces divided by movable walls to adapt to different events.
The building was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and opened to the public after five years of construction. A fire in the early months of operation caused significant damage, leading to a closure and extensive repairs before the venue resumed activities.
The name honors an important historical figure in Azerbaijan, with galleries dedicated to documenting his life and legacy. Visitors also encounter scale models of significant Azerbaijani buildings, reflecting how the nation celebrates its architectural heritage.
The venue suits various types of events, from concerts to exhibitions to conferences. Planning ahead is wise to check current programming and which spaces are available for your visit.
The building's curved exterior was designed entirely without straight lines, creating an unusual visual experience as you walk around it. This design approach was groundbreaking for its time and makes the structure one of the most distinctive modern buildings in the region.
Location: Baku
Inception: May 10, 2012
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects, Zaha Hadid
Official opening: May 10, 2012
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave, Baku 1033, Azerbaijan
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday-Sunday 11:00-18:00
Phone: +994125056001
Website: http://heydaraliyevcenter.az
GPS coordinates: 40.39528,49.86694
Latest update: December 20, 2025 19:40
Architecture does not have to follow straight lines and right angles. This collection presents buildings that stand out through their form: domes, spirals, tilted facades or organic structures that recall animals or plants. From Gaudí's mosaic covered works in Barcelona to the stacked concrete cubes...
Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a response to the rigid principles of modernism, reintroducing color, ornament, and historical references into contemporary building design. The movement evolved over decades, producing structures that challenge conventional forms and experiment with...
Zaha Hadid designed buildings with curved forms and futuristic aesthetics that stand apart from conventional structures. Her work appears worldwide, from Baku to Miami, and includes cultural centers, transport hubs, and corporate headquarters. The buildings use concrete, glass, and metal to...
Azerbaijan offers a striking contrast between old and new. In Baku, you'll find gleaming towers standing near medieval fortifications, creating a landscape where centuries seem to exist side by side. Beyond the capital, the Caucasus Mountains frame traditional villages and modern ski facilities. The...
Trump International Hotel & Tower Baku
757 m
Military Trophy Park
2.2 km
Empress Alexandra Russian Muslim Boarding School for Girls
1.3 km
The Crescent Development project
2.5 km
SOCAR Tower
1.7 km
Baku Museum of Modern Art
1.9 km
Baku Convention Center
293 m
Church of the Saviour
2.6 km
Church of the Immaculate Conception
2.8 km
JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel
2.5 km
Port Baku Towers
2.3 km
Monument to Alexander Pushkin
2.5 km
Jafar Jabbarli Monument
2.4 km
Orthodox church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Baku
2.2 km
Monument to Nikola Tesla
2.3 km
Ajdarbey Mosque
2.7 km
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Monument, Baku
2.6 km
Cume Mescidi, Mashtaga
1.3 km
Monument to Taras Shevchenko
2.2 km
Monument to Shah Ismail Khatai
1.7 km
Monument to Albert Agarunov
1.3 km
Shah Abbas Mosque
2.4 km
Monument to Tofiq Bahramov
1.2 km
St. Nicholas Church
1.3 km
Azerbaijan Medicine Museum
1.3 km
Dada Gorgud Park
1.7 km
Hərbi Qənimətlər Parkı
2.2 km
Baku Zoo
1.5 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes