Winter 1998 (6.4) Architecture of the Oil Baron Period Art Museum Niyazi 9 The Art Gallery is often used for special concerts as well, including State level performances. The original owner of this exquisite residence was De Bour, the manager of Rothchild's. Nicholas Von Der Nonne, a German, was commissioned as the architect. Von Der Nonne himself held various civil posts such as the municipal engineer in Baku from 1883 to 1895 and the mayor of Baku between 1889 and 1902 when he authored one of the plans of municipal development. The De Bour mansion was designed in a European Classical style with a hint of Baroque. Construction was completed in 1891. The building overlooks the summer concert stage of the Philharmonic Hall. The mansion is unusual in that it has been designed with façades on all four sides. During the early years of the Soviet period, the building became the residence of Bagirov, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Azerbaijan and Stalin's right-hand man in the country. He was deeply despised because he was responsible for sending thousands of Azerbaijanis to exile and their deaths. Today, the residence with its grand galleries provides an exhibition space for the national art collection. From Azerbaijan International (6.4) Winter 1998. © Azerbaijan International 1998. All rights reserved. Back to Index AI 6.4 (Winter 1998) AI Home | Magazine Choice | Topics | Store | Contact us