The National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi is one of the important scientific and cultural centers of our country. The museum collects, researches, and preserves examples of Azerbaijani literature and culture, preserves them in scientific funds, and displays them in exhibitions and expositions.

The history of the museum building dates back to the mid-19th century. A second floor was added to the one-story caravanserai, built in 1850 near the fortress walls surrounding the ancient Inner City, according to the design of the chief architect of the Baku province, Gasim Bey Hajibababekov. Civil engineer Alexander Nikitin prepared a design for a banquet hall on the second floor, and in 1915, at the request of the new owner of the building, Azerbaijani millionaire Haji Gadzhiaga Dadashov, the building was converted into the Metropol Hotel. In 1918-1920, the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic used this building both as a residence and as a workplace. In 1920-1930, the building was transferred to the Azerbaijan Trade Union. In anticipation of preparations for the 800th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, according to decision No. 4972 of November 1, 1939, the building was to be turned into a museum dedicated to the life and work of Nizami Ganjavi. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the museum opened on May 14, 1945.

The facade and interior of the building were made in the national style. On the facade there are statues of prominent representatives of Azerbaijani literature - Fizuli (sculptor: F. Abdurrahmanov), Vagif (Ch. Garyagdi), M.F. Akhundov (sculptor: P. Sabsay), Natavan (sculptor E. Tripolskaya), J. Mammadguluzade (sculptor: N. Zakharov) and J. Jabbarli (sculptor: E. Klyatskin).

In 1959 and 1967, the museum was thoroughly restored and expanded. In 2004-2009 it was restored again. The exhibition hall area has increased to 2500 square meters. The architecture and antiquity of the building were preserved while ensuring its innovative functionality. In December 2007, the museum began working with a new exhibition.

The museum illuminates the path of Azerbaijani literature from ancient times to the present. The museum contains various documents, manuscripts, books, etc. In addition, examples of material culture, paintings, and sculptures from the ancient and medieval periods are presented.

The exhibition halls contain stands, photographic materials, works of art, documents, books dedicated to the famous poets and writers, literary critics, as well as their personal belongings. These are such luminaries as Nizami Ganjavi, Khagani Shirvani, Muhammad Fuzuli, Imadeddin Nasimi, Shah Ismail Khatai, Molla Vali Vidadi, Molla Panah Vagif, Gasym bey Zakir, Abbasgulu aga Bakikhanov, Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Mirza Alekper Sabir, Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev, Huseyn Javid, Salman Mumtaz, Jafar Jabbarli, Samed Vurgun, Mirza Ibragimov, Mir Jalal and others. The museum regularly publishes various scientific works, monographs, booklets and guidebooks.

The stages of development of Azerbaijani literature are reflected in the reconstructed, fully computerized and enriched museum with innovative equipment that meets modern world standards. Guests of Azerbaijan from all over the world enjoy visiting the Literary Museum. The attention of guests is attracted by the very valuable exhibits presented in the exhibition, such as ancient manuscripts, samples of material culture, paintings, carpets, rare printed books, exquisite miniatures, manuscripts of famous calligraphers, numismatic samples, memorabilia of writers, documentary photographs, sculptures, maps, samples applied arts. In the updated exhibition of the museum, with the help of monitors, visitors get acquainted with valuable audio-video materials - various films, fragments of performing arts, works of prominent composers, and can listen to recordings of poetry performed by famous actors.

In the museum's monitor room, visitors can receive extensive information about Azerbaijani literature, culture, and traditions in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, German, and Persian. Also, much attention is paid to Southern Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani literature in emigration.

The Nizami Museum regularly organizes lectures by Nizami, scientific seminars, lectures, and meetings with famous public, scientific and cultural figures.

Recently, the museum has been taking serious measures to expand international relations. The international relations department operating here organizes the conclusion of agreements with world museums on cooperation in the field of science and culture, holding international conferences and events. The participation of museum employees in meetings of international organizations, conferences, symposiums, seminars, and advanced training courses is also ensured.

The main mission of the museum is to introduce guests to the rich literary heritage of Azerbaijan.

Recommended literature:

1. Hüseynov, İlqar Həsrət oğlu. Dünya muzeyləri və tarixi mədəniyyət abidələri : dərs vəsaiti / İ. H. Hüseynov, S. A. Əmirxanov ; elmi red. A. Əzizov ; red. M. Süleymanov ; Azərbaycan Dövlət Mədəniyyət və İncəsənət Universiteti, Bakı Biznes Universiteti. - Təkrar nəşr. - Bakı : ADMİU, 2023. - 304 s.
2. Hüseynov, Rafael Baba oğlu. Yerin altından qayıtmış gözəllik : ədəbiyyat muzeyindəki arxeologiya nümunələri / R. B. Hüseynov, A. Q. Seyidov ; red. R. S. Əfəndiyev ; AMEA Nizami Gəncəvi adına Milli Azərbaycan Ədəbiyyatı Muzeyi. - Bakı : Araz, 2009. - 328 s.
3. Bakı muzeyləri = Muzeums of Baku / Azərbaycan Respublikası Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi, Beynəlxalq Muzeylər Şurasının Azərbaycan Milli Komitəsi ; tərt. R. S. Tağıyeva [et al.]. - Bakı : [n. y.], 2006. - 123 s.
4. Əfəndiyev, Rasim Səməd oğlu. Azərbaycan incəsənəti dünya muzeylərində / R. S. Əfəndiyev, T. Əfəndiyev; AMEA Memarlıq və İncəsənət İnstitutu. - Bakı : Digital Age, 2012. - 232 s.