The Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the unique complex constructions in the world. Moreover, it has turned into a signature architectural landmark of Azerbaijan. The Center’s building was designed in 2007 by architect Zaha Hadid, who has authored a number of famous construction complexes around the world.

The building’s design depicts Azerbaijan’s dynamic development of the day together with the goal to be frontline of the cutting-edge global innovations coupled with strong patriotic sentiment and due respect towards national values and traditions. The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by a gradual descent down to the earth. This is not only a tribute to post-modern architecture but also portrayal of an eternal cycle. The harmonious link between the Center’s exterior and interior aspires to remove any boundaries in the building’s perception considering that this place is meant to be open to anyone irrespective of gender, race, and origin by bringing people together united by shared ideas. 

The building’s dominant white color, along with symbolizing the bright future, also conveys a set of specific messages. It is this color that through a very unusual natural light reflection spells out the building’s eye-catching shape. Metal construction network with an overall length of 90 kilometers was used for the building’s roof covering only. 12 027 pieces of special panels of a very specific shape of its own varying from triangle to trapezoid and from rectangle to parallelogram were used on the Center’s roof, which has an overall coverage of 40 000 square meters.

The Center consists of the following sections: the Heydar Aliyev Museum, the Exhibition Halls, Two Conference Halls and The Auditorium.

The Heydar Aliyev Museum represents a high-level display of the life and activity of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and his rich heritage. Moreover, every exhibit of the museum, which provides the timeline of milestone events featuring Azerbaijan’s social, political, economic life, culture, and sports throughout the whole 20th century, thus creating a very interesting historic context of the country’s most important developments.

The Exhibition Halls are composed of five floors of different dimensions.  These halls has displayed temporary exhibitions such as Andy Warhol’s “Life, Death and Beauty”, Fly to Baku, Cradle to Cosmos, The Legend of Arms, Tony Cragg, Laurence Jenkell “Flag Candy”, Henri Cartier-Bresson, just to mention a few.

Two conference halls provide flexible opportunities for holding various events and are equipped with necessary facilities. These halls are capable of hosting events in different formats. 

The Auditorium is an ideal place with a modern infrastructure for hosting different events, conferences, forums, symposiums, and concerts. It has a capacity of 967 seats.

The 2nd Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, Crans Montana Forum, Baku International Humanitarian Forum, and the 12th Economic Cooperation Organization Summit have been hold at the Center. Besides, world-known singers and musicians such as Alessandro Safina, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kitaro, Michael Bolton, Itzhak Perlman made performance on the center’s stage.

The building also includes an indoor cafe, parking area and are open to its visitors.

All Images:Heydar Aliyev Center

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