Entertainment

International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan

4.2 · 39 reviews
International Mugham Center of AzerbaijanWikimedia Commons
Check tickets & tours Official site

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan is a purpose-built venue on Baku Boulevard dedicated to Azerbaijani mugham, a musical tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Its architecture takes its form from the tar, a traditional Azerbaijani instrument central to mugham performance.

Don't miss

  • An exterior and interior design based on the form of the tar
  • A concert hall built with seating for 350 people
  • Its position on Baku Boulevard in central Baku
  • Construction materials and equipment brought from Italy, Austria, France, and Turkey

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

Know before you go

  • Mugham is an Azerbaijani musical genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • The centre stands on Baku Boulevard, and the tar instrument shapes the building's design.

A bit of history

The center was built on the initiative of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, with construction starting in April 2005 and funding from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Its official opening took place on December 27, 2008, with UNESCO's ninth Director-General Koichiro Matsuura attending the ceremony.

Common questions

What is mugham?

It is an Azerbaijani musical genre included on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Why does the building have its distinctive shape?

The design is based on the forms and elements of the tar, an instrument used in mugham.

When did the centre open?

Its official opening took place on 27 December 2008.

How large is the main hall?

The concert hall was built with seating for 350 people.

More attractions in Baku

Planning your trip to Baku? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Baku itinerary.