BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Baku is a historic city where the architecture of the past blends seamlessly with modern design. It’s a place where visitors can admire the wonders of human creativity, unwind in peaceful surroundings, and take in the beauty of art.
Trend brings you a photo report from a stroll through the park of the Heydar Aliyev Center.
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center — a futuristic masterpiece conceived in 2007 and opened in 2012 — has become a landmark of contemporary Azerbaijan. With its flowing lines, curved forms, and not a single sharp corner, the building reflects the endless, wave-like evolution of civilization and the continuous connection between past, present, and future.
Perched on a green hill, the Center is surrounded by a spacious park that’s become one of Baku’s favorite spots for both locals and visitors. Here, history, culture, nature, and modernity come together in perfect harmony. The 14-hectare park features an artificial lake, ponds, and cascading waterfalls. An underground parking garage adds convenience, while cafés across the grounds make it easy to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The park’s terraced design blends modern architecture with traditional Azerbaijani landscaping, making it an extension of the Center itself. There’s a strong focus on preserving nature and creating an eco-friendly environment — ideal for those looking to connect with nature in the middle of the city.
Your walk begins at the popular “I Love Baku” installation — a must-stop for photos and social media posts.
The park’s lush lawns attract young people, families, and tourists throughout the day. Picnics, events, and outdoor gatherings are common, especially in warm weather, and you won’t find any “Keep Off the Grass” signs here. The space also plays host to video shoots, festivals, and concerts throughout the year.
What’s more, the park has become an open-air gallery, featuring rotating and permanent exhibitions from Azerbaijani and international artists, courtesy of the Heydar Aliyev Center.
From contemporary sculptures to creative installations, the artworks on display add another layer of interest to any visit. Whether you're taking photos, shooting videos, or just wandering and reflecting, there’s something to capture your attention at every turn.
Right now, you can see works by Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn from his “Forces of Nature” series — a tribute to the environment and a call for greater care toward our planet. Nearby, Nigerian artist Dotun Popoola’s “Recycled Beauty” series transforms scrap metal and industrial waste into bold, original sculptures.
One standout piece is “Germination” — a six-meter-tall sculpture by Italian artist Gianfranco Meggiato, part of his “Lines of the Invisible” collection. It’s built around the idea that “We are all leaves of the same tree, cells of one organism, parts of a single being. Until we embrace unity and brotherhood, there will be no peace — and no respect for the environment we’re part of.”
Also on display are vibrant, oversized fruit and vegetable sculptures by Italian artist Giuseppe Carta from his “Gifts of Nature” series. Some of these pieces were created especially for the Heydar Aliyev Center and are being shown to the public for the first time. Visitors love taking selfies and snapshots with these colorful installations.
In short, a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center park is a chance to enjoy nature, explore modern art, and experience world-class architecture — all in one place. There’s something here for everyone, and every visit feels a little bit special.
