Baku Carpet Museum: the history of Azerbaijani textile art in a unique building
On the waterfront of Baku, beside the Caspian Sea, one building catches the eye before you even see what lies inside: the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, built in the shape of a traditional rolled carpet, is one of the most striking examples of conceptual architecture in the Caucasus. And the interior lives up to the exterior: more than 14,000 textile pieces telling 2,500 years of Azerbaijani craft art.
History of the Baku Carpet Museum
The institution was founded in 1967 with the aim of preserving the Azerbaijani textile tradition, one of the richest in the Islamic world. In 2014 it moved to the spectacular current building, designed by German architect Franz Janz, whose undulating 2,400 m² silhouette mimics the shape of a carpet being rolled up. The collection includes carpets from the 18th century to contemporary works, as well as silk fabrics, embroideries and regional costumes.
The collection: a journey through the regional schools
The great Azerbaijani weaving schools
Azerbaijani carpets are organised into six major regional schools: Baku, Ganja, Kazakh, Karabakh, Shirvan and Tabriz. Each has its own visual vocabulary: the geometric motifs of Shirvan, the floral medallions of Karabakh, the symmetrical compositions of Kazakh. The museum allows visitors to explore these differences through explanatory panels in several languages.
Unique pieces and historical collection
Among the most prized items in the collection are 18th-century carpets from private collections, silk tapestries in kilim technique and pieces with calligraphic inscriptions that served as ritual objects. The weaving instruments section displays traditional looms and working tools.
Workshops and educational programmes
The museum offers weaving workshops where visitors can experiment with materials and techniques under the guidance of expert craftswomen. Workshops must be booked in advance and are especially recommended for groups. The museum also organises annual carpet festivals with live demonstrations and a market for handcrafted pieces.
After the museum, the Yashil Bazar is the ideal place to buy small carpets and textiles at more accessible prices. And if your interest in Azerbaijani craftsmanship runs deep, don't miss the Ali Shamsi Workshop in the Old City.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter the Baku Carpet Museum?
General admission costs approximately 10 AZN. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups. A guided tour costs extra but is highly recommended for understanding the historical context of the pieces.
What makes the Baku Carpet Museum unique?
Its twofold uniqueness: the collection, which is the most comprehensive in the world on Azerbaijani carpets with more than 14,000 pieces, and the building, designed in the shape of a rolled carpet, which is itself an architectural work of art.
Where is the Carpet Museum in Baku?
It is located on the seafront promenade (Boulevard) of Baku, next to the Caspian Sea, easily accessible from the historic centre on foot or by metro (Sahil station).