Almaty History Museum

Almaty residents love their city so much that they even built a museum in its honor! Everything about it is fascinating, from the building itself, which once served as the Vernensky Children’s Shelter, to the diverse exhibits that showcase the history of the southern capital, spanning from ancient times to the present day. The museum also features thematic halls dedicated to mountaineering, the model of peace and harmony, and the city’s relationship with the nation’s leader.

The museum boasts over 40,000 exhibits, divided into 11 historical periods, ranging from “Ancient History” to “Almaty in the 20th Century.” One of the first museums established after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it quickly amassed a significant collection of the city’s heritage. Photographs, personal belongings, paintings, and documents – every item in the collection carries its unique story, preserving a piece of Almaty’s true spirit.

In addition to its regular exhibitions, the museum hosts international conferences dedicated to exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan’s former capital. Each stage of the city’s history is brought to life through the museum’s themed sections, allowing visitors to dive deep into the past.

The museum also operates a commission responsible for managing the import and export of cultural assets into and out of the republic, and there is a department dedicated to scientific research. After exploring the museum, visitors will leave with comprehensive knowledge of the city’s development and the key events that shaped its history.

One of the museum’s most unique features is the “Boraldai Saka Burial Mounds” archaeological park. The park was entrusted to the museum ten years ago and spans an area of around 430 hectares. The 47 ancient burial mounds, which serve as resting places for Saka period kings, are truly remarkable. Some of these mounds reach a diameter of 150 meters, with heights up to 14 meters.