BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Modern technologies in the “Time Pavilion”, which newly opened in Baku, takes visitors back more than a century, to the city’s streets in 1919, Trend's correspondent reports.
The "Time Pavilion" immersive museum presents the city's history in an interactive way.
In a museum located within the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, the landscape of Baku from a bygone era has been brought to life through virtual reality. The project allows visitors not only to learn historical facts but also to experience the atmosphere of the past.
Speaking to journalists at the opening, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, Rufat Mahmud, said that the museum is part of the "Smart Reserve" concept.
According to him, the goal is to provide visitors to Icherisheher with new experiences through the use of modern technology.
"This museum is part of the administration's 'Smart Reserve' concept. We are leveraging modern technology to create new experiences for our visitors. We believe that this museum will become a key attraction within Icherisheher," noted Mahmud.
The Board Chairman also clarified details regarding museum admission and concessions for local residents. He mentioned that the ticketing policy for Icherisheher is being updated, with several new ticket packages developed. Discounted rates are available for citizens of Azerbaijan. For the residents of Icherisheher, in addition to various events, the organization of separate days for free visits is also planned.
According to the museum's founder, Vahid Ibrahimov, the development of the project, built around the concept of a journey into the past, took nearly two years. One of the primary tasks facing the team was to recreate Baku as it appeared in 1919, based on historical sources.
"One of the most challenging aspects was researching historical facts from that era, locating photographs, and accurately reconstructing the appearance of the streets. Our team has been working on this project for nearly two years. We are now presenting the result to visitors, and I believe they will enjoy it," the founder stated.
The journey at "Time Pavilion" doesn't end with the virtual reality experience. Other rooms feature information regarding the history of Baku’s press and its oil industry. Thus, in addition to seeing what the city looked like during that period, visitors also gain insight into the sectors that shaped its social and economic life.
Ibrahimov noted that the space currently on display is the first pavilion of the project. A second pavilion, which will serve as a continuation, is scheduled to open around the middle of next year. This new exhibition will be located on the lower floor of the existing museum.
"In the first stage, we provide general information about Baku during that period. In the next stage, the visitor enters the city itself. Feeling like a resident, they will move from room to room and interactively experience the daily activities of that era," the museum's founder emphasized.
It’s planned to expand the project in the coming years. Visitors will be given the opportunity to travel to different historical periods.
"Time Pavilion" opens within the historic setting of Icherisheher as a new venue that showcases Baku’s past through modern technology. The first journey takes visitors to Baku in 1919, with plans to further expand this "time map" in future stages.