Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, located in Almaty, is one of the oldest and largest museums in Central Asia. The museum was established in 1931 within the Ascension Cathedral. This arrangement was unsurprising given the ban on religion during those years, repurposing the churches for other uses. However, in 1985, it relocated to a new building characterized by a striking exterior design featuring a combination of snow-white walls and blue domes.
Inside the museum, visitors are greeted by a magnificent two-story vestibule, complementing the vast collection of 300,000 items. The collection boasts a diverse range of artifacts, including rare books and manuscripts in Arabic and Kazakh languages, valuable ancient, medieval, and modern coins and banknotes, unique photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, postcards, seals, and more.
A look inside the museum
At present, the Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan consists of seven exhibition halls, each offering a unique glimpse into the country's history. The first hall showcases paleontological discoveries, such as fragments of petrified trees, ancient insect imprints, and fossils of fish and birds. The second hall focuses on archaeological finds, featuring remarkable gold items, burial structures, as well as models of medieval architectural buildings.
In the third hall, visitors can explore a collection that highlights the history and culture of the various peoples of Kazakhstan. There you can see traditional costumes, household items, and other unique artifacts. The next hall presents a comprehensive portrayal of Kazakhstan's history, encompassing pivotal events such as World War II and the Soviet Union era. The fourth hall is dedicated to modern Kazakhstan, while the sixth hall serves as the «Museum of Anthropology», offering insights into human history and development.
Finally, the seventh hall exhibits personal belongings and works of the renowned artist N.G. Khludov, who spent the majority of his life in Verny (the former name of Almaty), where he painted approximately 200 artworks.
Of particular significance, the main hall features an exact replica of the Golden Man – a Scythian warrior buried in armor made of 4,000 intricately designed gold pieces.
How to get there?
Address: Kazakhstan, Almaty, Samal-1 microdistrict, 44.
To reach the Central State Museum, you have convenient transportation options available. For instance, you can easily access the museum by taking the subway to Abay station. From there, it is a distance of approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 mi) to reach the museum on foot.
Alternatively, you can opt for buses #45, 48, or 128, which will take you directly to the «Zholdasbekov Street» stop. Once you reach this stop, you'll only need to walk a few minutes to reach the museum.
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Other tourist attractions near the museum:
- Terrainkur
- Palace of Schoolchildren
- Palace of the Republic
- Independence Monument and Republic Square
- Kok-Tobe TV Tower
- Lermontov Russian Drama Theatre
- Dostyk Plaza Shopping Mall
Recommended tours:
View all offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: City Tour")
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour where you'll explore Almaty's prominent attractions. Visit the Museum of Almaty, marvel at the exquisite Ascension Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of trade at the Green Bazaar.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: Mountain Tour")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Ultimate Almaty Day Tour")
A fantastic option for a day-long adventure that involves discovering Almaty's most fascinating landmarks. This excursion allows you to explore the best attractions of Almaty and also takes you to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, providing a delightful experience amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes.