The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre is one of Baku’s prominent cultural venues, with a history dating back to 1910 and a longstanding tradition in the development of musical theatre in Azerbaijan.

Following an extensive reconstruction completed in 2013, the theatre combines its historic character with modern performance facilities. Its main auditorium seats 460 guests and is equipped with contemporary sound and acoustic systems, modern stage technology and a fully reconstructed rotating stage.

The oldest theatre in the country and one of Baku’s leading cultural stages. Its history dates back to 1873, when the first plays in the Azerbaijani language were performed here. The current building, constructed in 1919 in Neoclassical style, has become an important architectural landmark of the capital.

Today, the theatre continues national traditions while embracing both classical and contemporary works. Its stage hosts Azerbaijani playwrights as well as world classics. Azdrama is a cultural arena where new ideas are born and Azerbaijan’s theatrical school is shaped.

Heydar Aliyev Palace, named after the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, holds an important place in the socio-political life of the country. The palace was opened to the public in 1972. As one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks of the capital, Heydar Aliyev Palace functions as a unique venue where the most prestigious state events are held. Heydar Aliyev Palace is one of the ideal places to experience the cultural life of Baku. Through the events held here, visitors to the city have the opportunity to witness Azerbaijani music, art, and stage culture live. Its location in the central part of the city also makes the palace easily accessible for tourists.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most magnificent and modern architectural landmarks of Baku. The center is dedicated to the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and holds an important place in the cultural life of the country. The building of the center was designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its wave-like and flowing form is considered one of the most remarkable examples of modern architecture. The building’s unusual design is distinguished by the absence of sharp angles and the harmony of smooth lines. These features give the structure both aesthetic beauty and a distinctive architectural style.

Inside the center there are exhibition halls, conference rooms, a museum section, and spacious areas intended for various cultural events. Visitors have the opportunity to become acquainted with Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage while also experiencing examples of contemporary art.

The Nizami Cinema Center is one of the most well-known cinema complexes in Baku. The cinema center is named after the prominent Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. The building was constructed in 1934 based on the design of architects Sadiq Dadashov and Mikayil Huseynov. Both local and foreign films are screened at the Nizami Cinema Center. In addition, various film festivals, presentations, cultural events, and special cinema-related projects are organized here. Located in the center of the city, this cinema complex is a comfortable and attractive leisure destination for both local residents and tourists. With its modern interior and extensive film program, the Nizami Cinema Center is considered an important part of Baku’s cinematic culture. A statue of Nizami Ganjavi is installed on the facade of the cinema center.

The oldest theatre in the country and one of Baku’s leading cultural stages. Its history dates back to 1873, when the first plays in the Azerbaijani language were performed here. The current building, constructed in 1919 in Neoclassical style, has become an important architectural landmark of the capital.

Today, the theatre continues national traditions while embracing both classical and contemporary works. Its stage hosts Azerbaijani playwrights as well as world classics. Azdarma is a cultural arena where new ideas are born and Azerbaijan’s theatrical school is shaped.

YARAT Contemporary Art Space is one of Azerbaijan’s leading platforms for contemporary art. Founded in Baku in 2011, the non-profit organisation supports contemporary artistic practice in Azerbaijan while creating opportunities for dialogue and exchange between local and international artists.

The YARAT Contemporary Art Centre opened in 2015 in a converted Soviet-era naval building overlooking the Caspian Sea. Its two floors provide approximately 2,000 square metres of exhibition space, hosting temporary exhibitions, new commissions and works from the YARAT Collection. The Centre also includes an auditorium designed for screenings, performances and educational events.

Through exhibitions, performances, talks, educational programmes and interdisciplinary projects, YARAT has become an important hub for contemporary culture and creative exchange in Baku and the wider region.

Stone Chronicle Museum on the territory of the State Flag Square has been created by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. On 8 June 2015, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and Vice-president of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva acquainted themselves with the museum.

The museum is located in the building of a power station built in 1921 and once provided for energy supply of oil fields. Many types of stone plastic artsis displayed in the exposition of the Museum. The exposition includes, along with exhibits brought from Gobustan and Qala reserves, works by sculptor Hussein Hagverdy. At this exhibition, the sculptor presents a history he called “The Artery”.

Founded in 2010 by Mila Askarova, Gazelli Art House is an international contemporary art gallery with spaces in Baku, London and New York. The gallery represents a diverse roster of artists, from leading figures associated with Post-War movements such as Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism to ultra-contemporary voices exploring new forms of artistic expression in the digital age.

Located at 172 Lev Tolstoy Street, Gazelli Art House Baku places a particular focus on art from Azerbaijan and neighbouring countries, while connecting local and international artistic practices and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. The Baku space hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and other cultural programmes, bringing together artists, curators, researchers and audiences.

In 2015, the gallery launched GAZELL.iO, an online platform supporting innovative projects at the intersection of art and technology. Today, the Baku space forms an integral part of Gazelli Art House’s international programme, presenting Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative practices to wider international audiences.

Founded in 1921 with the involvement of the renowned Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Baku Music Academy is one of the country's leading institutions of musical education and culture.

Since 1939, the Academy has occupied its historic building, designed by prominent Azerbaijani architects SadigDadashov and Mikayil Huseynov. Associated with distinguished composers such as Gara Garayev and FikretAmirov, the Academy has played a significant role in the development of Azerbaijani classical music.

Under the leadership of renowned pianist Farhad Badalbeyli since 1991, the Academy continues to host concerts, masterclasses and international musical events.

The history of Baku Choreography Academy dates back to 1922, when a ballet studio was established in Baku. In 1929, it was transformed into the Baku Choreographic School, becoming the first institution of its kind not only in the Caucasus but also in the East, and laying the foundations for professional ballet education in Azerbaijan.

The institution is closely associated with Gamar Almaszade, recognized as the first ballerina not only of Azerbaijan but also of the East. A pioneering figure of Azerbaijani ballet, she studied here and later trained celebrated dancers, including Leyla Vakilova and Rafiqa Akhundova. Its graduates have gone on to perform on international stages, including the renowned Mariinsky Theatre.

Officially established as an academy in 2014, the institution continues to preserve and develop the traditions of classical ballet and Azerbaijani national dance. Located in central Baku, the Academy remains an important cultural institution, connecting generations of dancers and choreographers.