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Heydar Aliyev Center — Zaha Hadid's Wave in Baku

A white building without a single right angle has become the symbol of new Baku. Here's what's inside and when to go.

Heydar Aliyev Center — Zaha Hadid's Wave in Baku
© Aykhan Zayedzadeh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center is probably Baku's most recognisable modern building. It was designed by Zaha Hadid and won the London Design Museum's Design of the Year award in 2014.

Inside the Heydar Aliyev Center
© Avisadehh / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Architecture

The facade flows from the plaza into walls and roof with no sharp edges or right angles. The white shell changes through the day: soft in the morning, golden at sunset and illuminated at night.

What's inside

  • A museum on the history of modern Azerbaijan.
  • Temporary art and design exhibitions.
  • Displays of dolls in national costumes and classic cars (exhibitions change).
  • An auditorium for concerts and conferences.
Inside the Heydar Aliyev Center
© Mahmoodrezamo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tips

  • Shoot in the morning or at sunset for the softest light on the facade.
  • The surrounding park is free; museum and exhibitions need a ticket.
  • The centre is usually closed on Mondays — check opening hours.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is part of our Baku city tour.

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