This museum is dedicated to the singer of the same name who is much renowned for his vocal artistry. Bul-bul’s name, which translates as nightingale, reflects this singing talent. Openedin 1982, the museum has more than 6,000 different artifacts including lots of interesting photographs.

Located in the heart of Baku, the State Carpet Museum is the only institution of its kind in the world. Carpet weaving is one of Azerbaijan’s most ancient folk traditions, and the museum holds many valuable historical exhibits and pieces of art. Among a collection of almost a million pieces you can see Bronze Age artifacts, 12th Century pottery, national costumes, 10th Century carpets with national ornaments, jewelry and much more.

The Azerbaijan State Museum of History is the country’s largest museum. The museum has more than 2,000 exhibits spanning the history of Azerbaijan from ancient to modern times. It’s located in the former mansion of Azerbaijani oil magnate and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. This Italian Renaissance-style house, which dates from the late 1890s, has hosted the museum since 1920. Two large ballrooms upstairs are based on Oriental (Mauritanian) style and Occidental design respectively. The much-ornamented Oriental Room has enormous plate glass windows, gilded arches and chandeliers. The Occidental Room, meanwhile, is designed in a perfect rectangle.

The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature was founded in1939 in the heart of Baku. This treasure trove of Azerbaijani cultural heritage includes 3,000 artifacts such as manuscripts, rare books, illustrations, portraits, sculptures and much more. Among the museum’s proudest exhibits is a manuscript of a poem by Nizami from 1413. The museum building itself is worth seeing as a great example of local architecture.

The Museum of Miniature Books is the only institution of its kind in the world. Located in the Icheri Sheher district of Old Town Baku, the museum is conveniently situated near the Shirvanshah Palace. Opened in 2001, the museum exhibits miniature books gathered by collector Zarifa Salahova. The collection includes thousands of miniature books from 64 different countries, including hand-written books and pocket-sized books from the Middle Ages.

The Rustam Mustafayev Azerbaijan State Museum of Art is the country’s largest art museum. Founded in 1936, it got its name from a prominent local painter and theater artist. Spread across two buildings, the museum boasts more than 3,000 exhibits in 60 display rooms. European art and Russian art are the focus of the first building, while the second houses the Eastern art, including Persian, Turkish, Chinese and Japanese works. Azerbaijani artists represented include painters Mir Mohsun Navvab, Bahruz Kangarli, Tair Salakhov, Azim Azimzade, Salam Salamzade, and Vidadi Narimanbekov, as well as sculptor Omar Eldarov. The museum also has easel and book miniatures from the 17th – 19th centuries, lacquered miniatures and a unusual collection of sherbet spoons made from mulberry trees.

The Rostropovichs were an outstanding family of top-ranking musicians. Mstislav, the son of Leopold, was a great conductor, pianist and giant cellist who gave his first concert at the age of eight. Opened in 2002, the museum is located in the house Mstislav was born in. It includes more than 2,000 artifacts relating to the famous musical family, including a photo gallery and audio clips.