Abstract
<jats:p>Abstract: During the Soviet period, museums that were subordinated to an ideological and centralized system became, after independence, key actors in the promotion of national cultural heritage and the construction of identity. Against the background of national cultural policy and public expectations, museums underwent a transformation process, moving beyond their purely protective and institutional functions to become centers of education, communication, and cultural diplomacy. This article examines the transformation processes that have taken place in the activity directions and management models of art museums in the post-independence period. Within the context of reconciling the preservation of national identity with international cultural integration, the role of art museums is presented on a scholarly basis. The aim of the article is to analyze the development directions, modernization processes, and challenges faced by Azerbaijani art museums in the post-independence period</jats:p>