Museum and Apartment of D.A. Kunayev
The Museum and Apartment of D.A. Kunayev is the most visited museum in Almaty. Originally opened in 2012, the apartment, where Kunayev resided from 1969 to 1993, was integrated with the museum to form a cohesive museum complex. The museum and apartment not only offer an intimate portrayal of the man behind the public figure but also serve as a poignant reminder of the complex times in which he lived.
Museum of Dinmukhamed Kunayev
The Museum of Dinmukhamed Kunayev offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the life of the renowned 1st Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, a position equivalent to the President of the country. Spanning three exhibition halls, the museum houses a diverse range of materials related to Kunayev's personal and professional life.
One notable aspect of Kunayev's life was his passion for collecting lighters. This hobby blossomed into a remarkable collection of over 400 items, now proudly displayed within the museum's walls. Many of these lighters were presented to Kunayev as gifts, including those from distinguished individuals such as British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, US President John F. Kennedy, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Leonid Brezhnev, and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
In addition to his lighter collection, Kunayev had a fondness for acquiring miniature rare books. During a visit to the United Kingdom to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, he received two mugs directly from her.
Among other exhibits, one can find Kunayev's business card, passport, and a notepad containing significant information. The museum also showcases a variety of awards, orders, and personal memorabilia. The extensive collection of photographs and portraits prominently features Kunayev alongside notable personalities of his time.
Memorial apartment
The memorial apartment, situated in a nearby building where Kunayev spent his final years, offers a captivating glimpse into the personal life of this esteemed figure. Preserved in impeccable condition, the apartment showcases an array of household items that provide insight into Kunayev's daily life. From the ornate desktop, which holds cherished letters from statesmen and ordinary citizens alike, to the towering floor-to-ceiling shelves adorned with rare editions, albums, and literary treasures, visitors can immerse themselves in Kunayev's intellectual world. Notable among the artifacts are portraits and gifts received by Kunayev from various individuals. His office displays an exquisite miniature depicting birds of paradise, a gift from Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last shah of the Imperial State of Iran, as well as a clock presented by the Kazakh diaspora in Turkey. Additionally, the museum features Kunayev's personal car, which stands in the apartment's courtyard.
Stepping into the museum, visitors are enveloped in the genuine Soviet atmosphere of the 1970s to 1990s, transporting them back to a pivotal period in history.
Who was Dinmukhamed Kunayev?
Dinmukhammed Kunayev (1912-1993) stands as an eminent figure in the annals of Kazakhstan's history. Serving as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR, President of the Academy of Sciences, and a three-time Hero of Socialist Labor, Kunayev's illustrious career and numerous accolades attest to his significant contributions. Kunayev played a vital role in shaping the nation's destiny. During his tenure, Kazakhstan experienced remarkable economic growth, witnessing the construction of numerous industrial facilities, factories, and oil fields. The cultural and social spheres flourished, and ambitious projects such as the construction of the Big Almaty Canal, the Kapchagai Reservoir, Hotel Kazakhstan, and Medeu Skating Rink were initiated.
Sadly, Kunayev faced denigration from Soviet authorities, leading to his removal from leadership in the republic. This event ultimately culminated in the infamous December protests of 1986, known as Jeltoksan, which forever left an indelible mark in the history of Kazakhstan. Jeltoksan catalyzed the gradual disintegration of the authoritarian Soviet Union, heralding a new era of transformation and change.
How to get there?
Address: Kazakhstan, Almaty, 117 Tulebayev St. (museum); 119 Tulebayev St. (apartment).
Public transport does not directly operate along Tulebayev Street. However, one can take buses #2, 3, 63, 79, 86, 118, or 127 along Nazarbayev Avenue and get off at the «Karasai Batyr Street» bus stop. From there, it is a short walk of approximately 300 meters (330 yd) to reach the museum complex.
Bus #112 runs along Kunayev Street, allowing for convenient transportation to the vicinity of the museum.
Also, you can take trolleybus #9, which runs along the intersection of Tulebayev Street and Kabanbay Batyr Street, providing another accessible option for reaching the museum complex.
Additionally, the «Almaly» subway station is located approximately 700 meters (766 yd) away from the museum complex.
Opening hours:
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Monday is a day off.
The apartment is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Other tourist attractions near the museum:
- Memorial Museum Complex of S. Mukanov and G. Musrepov
- Monument to D.A. Kunayev
- Monument to Viktor Tsoi
- Monument to A. Moldagulova and M. Mametova
- Central Museum of Railway Transport of Kazakhstan
- Memorial Museum of N. Tlendiyev
- Panfilov Street
- Astana Square
- Hotel Almaty
- Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Gylym Ordasy Museum
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