“Baku’s Hidden Art Nouveau Gems: A Journey Through Early 20th Century Elegance”

Art Nouveau Architecture in Baku.

Baku is one of the unexpected gems of Art Nouveau architecture in the Caucasus. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the oil boom brought European architects to the city, who designed luxurious mansions, apartment buildings and cultural institutions in French, Belgian, German and Russian Art Nouveau styles.

This gave Baku a stunning collection of façades decorated with flowing lines, floral ornaments, masks, stained glass and elegant balconies.

Key Features of Baku’s Art Nouveau Buildings

• Curved, organic lines
• Floral and plant motifs
• Sculpted faces, angels, mythological figures
• Decorative wrought-iron balconies
• Asymmetrical façades
• Rich stone carvings
• European-influenced window frames and entrances

Famous Art Nouveau Buildings in Baku

⭐ 1. Taghiyev Mansion (H.Z. Tagiyev’s House)

One of the most elegant Art Nouveau residences of the oil barons is Taghiyev`s Mansion.

It is now part of the National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan. You can enjoy from grand staircase, classical-meets-modern motifs, lavish decoration of the house. 

⭐ 2. Ismailiyya Palace (1913)

Neo-Gothic exterior with Art Nouveau interior elements.

Built by millionaire Musa Naghiyev.

Windows, arches, and interior details show European Modernism influence.

 3. Nizami Street Buildings (Torgovaya)

Many buildings here were designed by European architects between 1890–1915. You will find:

Art Nouveau balconies

Curved façades

Carved floral ornaments

Decorative reliefs and faces

Specific buildings with strong Art Nouveau elements: Houses at Nizami 28, 32, 34

Buildings near Fountains Square

4. “Mitrofanov House” (Mirzəağa Əliyev 203)

One of the most pure examples of Baku Art Nouveau .Flowing lines, floral carvings, asymmetry. Built by architect Nikolay Bayev

⭐ 5. Buildings Along Istiglaliyyat Street

Noble mansions of oil barons.Art Nouveau decorative stonework

Mixed with Neo-Classical and Baroque influences

⭐ 6. Former Rothschild Mansion

Located near Fountain Square.Beautiful façade with curved elements and fine ornamentation.

⭐ 7. Buildings Around Azneft Square

Several façades from the early 20th century carry strong Art Nouveau identity

Stone-carved masks, vines, ironwork     

Why Baku Has So Much Art Nouveau?

Because between 1880–1915, Baku became one of the richest cities in the world due to oil. Oil barons invited:Polish, German, Russian, Italian, French architects to build luxurious homes and offices in the latest European design trends — and at that time, the trend was Art Nouveau.