"SURAKHANI" SHIP-MUSEUM

On the Caspian Sea embankment in the city of Baku lies a unique attraction — the Surakhani Museum-Ship. This is the world's first tanker converted into a museum space, where seafaring history meets modern technology. The vessel, over 123 meters long, was once an essential part of the Caspian fleet, and today it invites tourists on an exciting journey through its compartments.

Surakhani Ship Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum's exhibition includes 10 exhibition halls filled with interactive solutions and unique artifacts. Here, you can see over 2,000 exhibits telling the story of the seafaring traditions for which Azerbaijan is famous. The collection covers everything from ancient navigation instruments to models of giant modern ships.

The museum's special pride is the harmonious blend of authenticity and innovation. Visitors can not only see original equipment from the 1950s but also use video walls and touch screens to dive deeper into the atmosphere of a sailor's life. With a rating of 4.6, this site is rightfully considered one of the most interesting and educational places in the Azerbaijani capital.

For your convenience, we have prepared the main contact details for this unique site. You can check out the information on the official website in advance or simply head to the specified address on the city embankment. The Surakhani Museum is always happy to welcome guests and offers a high level of service for tourists.

Once on board the Surakhani, be sure to visit the Spirit of the Caspian hall. Here, you can take a journey back millions of years to learn how the sea was formed and see archaeological finds proving the antiquity of local maritime traditions. Engineering enthusiasts will be interested in the five-meter model of the tanker itself, crafted with striking precision.

A walk through the ship's interior is a highlight for visitors. You can step onto the captain's bridge, look into the radio room, or explore the galley and crew cabins. All interiors have been recreated in the 1960s style using authentic household appliances and equipment from that time, creating a complete sense of being on an active vessel.

The museum's interactive component allows you not just to look, but to act. You can learn how to tie nautical knots, study routes on a navigation table, or browse interactive books about the oceans' flora and fauna. This is a place where everyone will feel like part of the legendary ship's crew.

The museum is located in a very picturesque spot—right on the Baku embankment, making it easily accessible for most tourists. The exact coordinates of the site are 40.3374314, 49.8419465. If you prefer walking, the museum can be reached on foot while enjoying the Caspian sea breeze.

For those who value time, a taxi is the most convenient method. Popular services like Uber or local aggregators will take you from the city center in just 10–15 minutes. You can also use public transport: buses and the metro allow you to reach the coastal area, followed by a short walk.

For drivers, parking spaces are provided nearby. Additionally, modern bicycle paths run along the embankment, so reaching the museum-ship on a rented bike or scooter would be a great addition to your sightseeing program.

The tanker Surakhani was launched in 1957 and was one of the most technologically advanced ships of its class at the time. It belongs to the "Engineer A. Pustoshkin" type—three-island tankers that played a key role in the development of oil transportation in the Caspian Sea. The history of Azerbaijani shipping is inextricably linked with such giants, as it was here that the world's first tanker, the Zoroaster, once appeared.

For many years, the vessel faithfully served the maritime fleet and was later used as an oil treatment station for the Caspian Sea Shipping Company. A new chapter in the history of the Surakhani began in 2017, when the decision was made not to scrap the venerable ship but to turn it into a modern cultural site. After a massive reconstruction, the museum officially opened its doors to visitors on March 1, 2021.

Today, the museum's exhibition covers not only the history of the vessel itself but also global milestones in seafaring. Here, you can learn how navigation evolved from ancient times to the present day and what contribution Azerbaijan made to world steamship travel. It is not just a ship, but a true monument to engineering that preserves the spirit of a bygone era.

To leisurely explore all ten exhibition halls and enjoy walking on the decks, we recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to study the interactive panels, examine the details of the navigation instruments, and take atmospheric photos in the captain's bridge.

If you plan to study the history of each exhibit in detail or are traveling with children who will likely want to stay longer in the rooms with simulators, the visit time may increase. The museum is very densely packed, so a full immersion into the maritime theme requires a certain amount of time.

The Surakhani Museum-Ship receives visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. The doors are open from 10:00 to 18:00, which is convenient for both morning tours and afternoon strolls along the embankment.

Please note that Monday and Tuesday are days off. Since the schedule may change on holidays, we recommend checking the official website for the latest information before your visit.

Exploring the surroundings of the embankment can significantly enrich your trip. Near the Surakhani Museum, there are many entertainment venues and park areas perfect for a family holiday or an evening walk.

Many of these locations are within walking distance or a few minutes' taxi ride away, allowing you to plan a full-day itinerary.