Azerbaijan is home to many talented artists who have been depicting and expressing their outlook on life and history through their creations that can be spotted all across Azerbaijan. Architecture, art galleries, melodies from the bars and music halls… Their atmosphere echoes through the cities inviting every visitor to explore this new poetic world. Among many big names, one that can stand out is the name of Azerbaijani painter and professor Tahir Salahov. His enormous talent, professionalism and kindness made him loved by everyone who knew him or got acquainted with his art works. Salahov’s legacy of course is being preserved and conveyed to the audience as an important part of global art heritage.
In order to dwell in Tahir Salahov’s world, one should visit a house museum of this artistic genius. The three-store museum can be found right in the heart of Baku – Icheri Sheher (Old Town). The narrow and ancient streets of the Old Town will take you to the phenomenal museum full of beauty and creative expression. The walls of the building witnessed the magic happening behind the closed curtains since the third floor was used by the artist as a workshop. Salahov donated 735 exhibits to the museum which include his paintings, personal belongings, carpet collection, and photo archive. You can visit the museum throughout the week except for Monday from 10:00 to 18:00. The tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance.
Azerbaijan National Art Museum is another famous art space located in the centre of the city, where locals and tourists come to relish masterpieces of known artists. The museum’s exhibition cannot be complete without a piece by the holder of the People’s Artist honorary title – Tahir Salahov. At the moment, visitors can see Salahov’s famous and significant painting “To you, humanity!” (“Sənə, bəşəriyyət!”) at the museum. However, soon enough after the renovation of the section dedicated to the Azerbaijani artist, Salahov’s other paintings will be back on the display. The museum is open 6 days a week except for Monday from 09:30-18:30. The tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance.
As you walk down to the contemporary side of Baku, you will stumble upon the Museum of Modern Art, which is another art space that presents Tahir Salahov’s paintings. This museum has a big collection of up to 800 artworks that belong to different Azerbaijani artists and painters. It is almost felt as if the interior of the museum merges with the paintings, and sculptures, turning into one organism. This extraordinary museum sets only one rule for the artists – that there are no strictly defined frames for their artistic expression. The museum welcomes everyone daily throughout the week except Monday from 11:00 to 20:00. The tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance.
