Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

The history of Kazakhstan, from prehistoric times to the present day, is brought to life within the walls of this remarkable museum. Mammoth skeletons, national costumes, horse tack, and World War II cannons—each exhibit tells its own unique story, ready to be revealed by knowledgeable guides to eager visitors. The museum’s collection includes more than 300,000 items, offering a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts.

Rightfully considered one of the largest and most significant museums in Central Asia, its roots stretch back nearly a century, with origins predating its eventual establishment in Almaty. The first mention of a museum collection in this region dates to the 1830s, when exhibits from the Semirechye area found their way to the newly formed “Orenburg Regional Museum.” Over the years, the museum relocated several times, including to Kyzylorda, before finally settling in Almaty in 1929. Its first home was the Ascension Cathedral. The museum’s current building was commissioned by the regional authorities and completed in 1985, designed by architects Z. Mustafina, B. Rzagaliyev, and Y. Ratushny. This impressive structure is a noteworthy example of modern architecture, covering more than 17,000 square meters. The museum spans three floors, featuring four main exhibition halls and several galleries hosting permanent collections.

The Central State Museum is the most visited museum in the Republic of Kazakhstan, attracting over 130,000 visitors annually. The museum conducts around 100 lectures on various topics each year and organizes over 30 exhibitions, events, and cultural-educational programs.

The museum boasts a collection of over 200,000 items that reveal the rich history of the region and the development of the diverse peoples of Kazakhstan:

• First Hall (Paleontology): This section displays a vast array of archaeological finds, including fossilized remains of prehistoric animals and plant fragments from ancient times, long before human existence.

• Second Hall (Historical Ethnography): Here, visitors can explore the history of the region from the 15th century to the present. The collection includes household items, weapons, national jewelry, and other significant cultural artifacts.

• Third Hall: This exhibit focuses on the culture and history of the various ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan. Visitors can view rare photographs, documents, art, and everyday items. A special section highlights Kazakhstan’s participation in World War II.

• Fourth Hall (Modern Kazakhstan): This exhibit presents the country’s contemporary history, beginning with its declaration of independence in 1991. Notable items on display include state awards, currency, and symbols of the Republic, such as the flag and coat of arms. The exhibit is titled “Sovereign Kazakhstan.”

• “Open Collection”: One of the museum’s gems is its rich collection of ancient gold artifacts from Kazakh nomadic treasures, dating from the 7th to the 1st century BCE. The exhibit also features exquisite jewelry crafted by Eastern artisans, gemstone-encrusted daggers, and horse gear made of silver and gold.

• Anthropology Museum: This exhibit is divided into three sections. The first section presents human race classifications, evolutionary charts, and maps of human settlements. The second part illustrates human evolution through detailed reconstructions. The third section showcases anthropological materials related to Kazakhstan’s territory, with three impressive dioramas offering a glimpse into the lives of early humans.

• N.G. Khludov Hall: Dedicated to the famous Russian painter and ethnographer Nikolai Gavrilovich Khludov, this hall displays the artist’s paintings, photographs, and personal belongings, offering insight into his life and work.

Operating Hours
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Ticket Office: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM)

Ticket Prices
Adults – 500 KZT
Students – 300 KZT
Pensioners – 300 KZT
Children – 200 KZT
Foreign citizens – 500 KZT

Contact Information
+7 (727) 264-26-80
+7 (727) 264-55-77
+7 (727) 264-46-50