Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center
Khan Shatyr is a spectacular, futuristic entertainment complex located in the heart of Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. This stunning structure, which is shaped like a giant tent, has become an iconic landmark of the city and has drawn visitors from all over the world since its opening in 2010.
The building stands at 150 meters (492 ft) tall and covers an area of 140,000 square meters (1,506,947 sq ft), making it one of the largest tents in the world. The structure is made up of a transparent material called ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, which allows natural light to penetrate the interior and creates an airy, open atmosphere inside.
Neo-futuristic wonder
Khan Shatyr is a remarkable structure that has earned several notable accolades. As the largest tent-shaped building in the world, it has secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records. However, its achievements extend beyond its size. In 2010, Forbes Style magazine recognized Khan Shatyr as one of the top 10 eco-friendly buildings in the world. It was the only building from the post-Soviet countries to make the list.
Khan Shatyr was designed by British architect Norman Foster, who is known for his sleek, modernist designs. It was the second project in Astana designed by Foster after the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Khan Shatyr was commissioned by the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, as part of his plan to transform Astana into a modern, world-class city.
Inside the tent
Inside the building, visitors will find a wide range of entertainment options. There is a massive indoor beach, complete with sand and palm trees, as well as a wave pool and various water rides. There is also a cinema, an indoor amusement park, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
One of the most unique features of Khan Shatyr is its temperature control system. The building is equipped with a sophisticated air conditioning system that maintains a constant temperature of 15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 oF), regardless of the weather outside. This makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially during the scorching summer months when temperatures in Astana can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 oF) and in winter when the temperature sometimes goes below -30 degrees Celsius (-22 oF).
How to get there?
Khan Shatyr can be reached by buses: No. 10, 26, 29, 29A, 32, 46, 50, 53, 56, 804, 808. The buses stop right in front of the building. Moreover, it can be seen from afar, so you won’t miss it. Khan Shatyr is located in downtown Astana and can be reached on foot from the city’s other notable landmarks.