Uzeyir Hajibeyov House Museum | Baku

The Uzeyir Hajibeyov House Museum sits on a peaceful street in central Baku, tucked behind leafy trees and older residential buildings that still carry the atmosphere of pre-war Azerbaijan. This modest home once belonged to Uzeyir Hajibeyov, the composer, playwright, and cultural reformer who shaped modern Azerbaijani music. Inside, the museum feels intimate, almost like stepping into a preserved moment from the early 20th century, where the quiet traces of his creative life still linger in the rooms.

Historical Background
The house was built in the early 20th century during a period when Baku was transforming into a vibrant cultural capital. Hajibeyov lived here during some of his most productive years, composing key works and shaping the foundation of Azerbaijan’s modern musical traditions. After his death in 1948, the house was gradually turned into a memorial museum, officially opening to the public in the mid-20th century. Careful restoration work preserved much of the interior layout, allowing visitors to sense the composer’s daily rhythm-his writing desk, his scores, even the atmosphere of rooms where he once rehearsed small ensembles.

Architecture and Interior Atmosphere
The museum retains the structure of a classic Baku townhouse: high ceilings, wide wooden door frames, decorative plaster elements, and large windows that bring in warm, filtered light. The house’s simplicity contrasts with the grandeur of Hajibeyov’s legacy, and that contrast gives the space its charm. In the hallway, framed photographs and early concert posters draw visitors into the story before they even reach the main rooms. The floors creak slightly underfoot, adding a lived-in texture that makes the experience feel authentic rather than curated.

Composer’s Study and Personal Items
One of the most captivating rooms is Hajibeyov’s study. His writing desk is arranged with manuscripts, ink bottles, a metronome, and sheet music with clean but expressive handwriting. Visitors often pause here longest, noticing the deep wooden tones of the furniture and the way afternoon sunlight touches the papers. The room includes his personal library, filled with books on theory, literature, history, and world cultures. These shelves reflect the breadth of his influences and the intellectual curiosity that fueled operas like “Leyli and Majnun” and “Koroghlu”.

Musical Heritage Exhibits
Another room showcases original manuscripts, early orchestral drafts, and stage materials from his groundbreaking operas. Some pages still carry his penciled corrections-small but vivid traces of the creative process. Display cases hold rare photographs of rehearsals, early performances, and portraits of singers who worked closely with him. There are also vintage radio recordings, vinyl releases, and early instruments associated with the first productions. This section highlights how Hajibeyov blended Azerbaijani musical traditions with Western operatic forms, something that was revolutionary in the region at the time.

Living Quarters and Everyday Life
The living room and bedroom offer softer, more personal glimpses into his daily routine. Embroidered tablecloths, period furniture, and small decorative objects show the domestic side of a man often remembered only for his grand artistic achievements. A few items stand out: a simple tea set placed near the window, a hand-woven carpet with intricate geometric designs, and framed family photos arranged in careful order. These details add warmth to the museum, making it feel like a home rather than a formal institution.

Visitor Experience
The house museum has a calm, nostalgic atmosphere, with each room providing a sense of quiet discovery. Visitors often remark on how the space makes Hajibeyov feel unexpectedly present, as if he might step back into the room to check a score or adjust a melody. The gentle scent of old wood, the filtered daylight through lace curtains, and the soft echo of footsteps in narrow hallways all create a contemplative mood. It’s the kind of place where one naturally slows down, noticing the micro-details that bring history to life.

Closing
The Uzeyir Hajibeyov House Museum offers a deeply personal journey into the world of Azerbaijan’s most influential composer. By preserving his living spaces, his manuscripts, and the intimate textures of his everyday life, the museum provides a richly layered portrait of the man who laid the foundations of the nation’s modern music. It stands as a quiet yet powerful landmark in Baku’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to connect with the roots of Azerbaijani musical identity.