Visit YARAT Contemporary Art Centre for Striking Exhibits

When people think of Azerbaijani art stuff, the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan comes to mind most.

Or, if someone wants to set the bar a bit higher (for example, considering modern art) they take a tour of the Baku Museum of Modern Art.

Well, what about another portion of those people who're willing to see the most contemporary artworks and exhibitions that are simply unorthodox?

Luckily, Baku has something for them as well... 

A place called YARAT Contemporary Art Centre, which stands proudly by the Caspian Sea…

And which isn’t any typical white-wall gallery.

It’s relatively bold, modern, and in simple terms, very Baku.

So if you’re curious about YARAT Centre and wondering what makes it worth a visit, you’re in the right place.

Because in this tiny penning, you'll get the essentials of YARAT Contemporary, like its:

Brief overview;

Iconic building;

Thought-provoking exhibits and events;

Opening hours, fees, and more.

Let’s dive right in.

Briefly, What Is YARAT Contemporary Art Centre?

Founded in 2015 by Aida Mahmudova, YARAT Contemporary Art Centre is a non-profit hub for contemporary art in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Note: It’s also called YARAT Contemporary Art Space (or in Azeri, YARAT Müasir İncəsənət Mərkəzi, or by locals simply Yarat Muzeyi).

It’s not a solo act either.

YARAT is also the name behind several key spaces, like:

• ARTIM Project Space 

• YAY Gallery

• Museum of Azerbaijani Painting of the XX-XXI Centuries (I’ll tell you the address later so as not to spoil the surprise)

Each one has its own unique function.

For example, while the museum focuses more on classic works, ARTIM highlights experimental pieces and supports emerging local talents.

ARTIM is actually based in Icherisheher (Old City, at the address of 5 Kichik Qala) and runs small-scale exhibitions, workshops, and studio programs for young creatives.

But back to the main venue.

The YARAT Baku itself hosts a growing collection spotlighting artists from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and nearby regions.

Why this region?

Because it shares deep cultural roots like religion, language, and a Soviet past, making Baku the perfect meeting point.

After decades of isolation, artists here were among the first to process massive shifts through their work.

Other than that, YARAT also runs public programmes: lectures, screenings, art classes, and even family weekends.

The whole idea?

To foster open dialogue between artists and audiences… 

Locally and globally.

YARAT Contemporary Art Space Building

The main building of YARAT Contemporary Art Center wasn’t originally designed for art exhibitions.

Like the “Surakhani” Ship Museum, which is so close to it.

In the 1960s, it served as a Soviet naval maintenance base by the Caspian Sea.

That history still lingers in its bold, industrial design.

But inside? A completely new story unfolds.

Now, it spans over 2,000 square meters across two open, minimalist floors.

There’s a mix of natural and artificial light, which makes it great for photography.

And because of the wide corridors and high ceilings, it feels unusually spacious.

Artworks aren’t jammed together either.

Everything’s displayed with enough room to breathe.

Besides the galleries, there’s also a library, an auditorium, and an organic café for casual meetups.

It officially opened to the public on March 24, in the same year as YARAT Baku’s foundation.

Since then, it’s become a space not just for temporary international exhibitions, but also for new commissions and YARAT’s growing art collection.

It’s designed for people to move freely and absorb what they see without rush.

And the building itself quietly adds to the experience.

A Soviet shell turned creative core.

Exhibitions and Programs at YARAT Centre

The Art Centre regularly brings together works by both local and international artists.

It’s not limited to one location either.

Exhibitions (group or solo) often take place across YARAT Centre, ARTIM Project Space, and even the Painting Museum.

Installations, group shows, solo works, performances - there’s always something going on.

Names like Shirin Neshat, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Michel François have all been featured here.

Topics range from identity to social change.

Exhibitions like Danger Cleared - No Mines or The Seventh Solitude are just a few examples of what to expect.

Note: The exhibitions on display can last several months. For example, as I’m writing this article, Once a Sea (a group exhibition) is on display. It started on April 15 and still continues.

YARAT also runs regular programs that go beyond just visual art.

You’ll see movie screenings, talks, art performances, and even seasonal festivals, like;

Performance Week, Museum Night, or Novruz Urban Fest.

Note: If you're someone who's into art and has a lot of imagination, you can also join these programs to show off your work in person. Just remember that you'll need to register beforehand, so don't forget to check in advance.

In short, it’s a place where different mediums and voices come together.

Practical Visitor Tips to YARAT Baku: From Timings to Fees

First things first, YARAT Art Centre is located in the Bayil District (almost at the south-west end of Baku Boulevard)… 

Right by National Flag Square and Baku Aquatic Palace.

It’s outside the main city center but still easy to reach by taxi or public transport.

There’re two separate buildings here, not one. It’s also the surprise part - the second building I promised to mention the loc above.

It’s the Museum of Azerbaijani Painting of the XX-XXI Centuries building. One stone, two birds;

A wonderful experience where you can immerse yourself in art by moving from one building to another in an instant.

On the flipside, timings-wise, the art centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 10 PM.

They’re closed on Mondays.

But I still suggest checking their opening hours on the day of your visit.

Because sometimes the exhibition spaces close for installations, even during listed hours.

It’s quietest on weekday afternoons.

I visited midweek and it was calm and peaceful inside.

Perfect for slow viewing and taking pictures.

There’s a cloakroom if you’re carrying a bag or jacket.

I’m afraid I won’t tell you how much the entrance and tickets cost, because it might be different when you come.

So best to give our tour managers a call to check on the best prices, with or without a guide.

That’s all!

Have a great out of the common tour.

Need help planning your Baku Tour? For online reservations, reach out to us at this number » +994 992 72 22 27.