An architectural gem of Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, the Officers’ House stands out with its unique design and the innovative materials used in its construction. Built in 1978, it was the collaborative effort of architects T. Yeraliyev, O. Balykbayev, and Yu. Ratushny. Positioned at the entrance to the 28 Panfilov Heroes Park, the building’s impressive architecture is admired by both locals and visitors alike.
The materials used in the exterior design deserve special mention. The building is adorned with inserts of plastic, leather, and stone. Aluminum, shell rock, slate, and other natural and synthetic materials were used for the facade, creating a striking contrast with the lush greenery of the adjacent park. The Officers’ House complements the park’s aesthetic, making it an integral part of the city’s landscape.
Today, the building is officially known as the House of the Army of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It hosts a concert hall and the “Podvig” cinema, along with art, photo, and dance studios. Educational activities are regularly conducted in its lecture halls. The Central Military Orchestra of the Ministry of Defense, the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, the Panfilov Museum, veteran organizations, and other military-patriotic institutions also occupy the right wing of the grand building. Meanwhile, the left wing is leased to various commercial enterprises, including nightclubs and bars, a usage that some consider inappropriate for such a significant Soviet-era structure.
Recognized as a monument of architecture, the Officers’ House was included in the Almaty State Historical, Architectural, and Memorial Reserve in 1993, protecting it from reconstruction or demolition.
The building is known for its monumental and ceremonial appearance, designed to emphasize the might of the Soviet state and honor the valor of Soviet soldiers. Its design is closely linked to the nearby park, with a multi-flight staircase leading through the facade to the park’s main memorial, the Eternal Flame.
The building’s main structure features a long, curved facade, punctuated by alternating flat pilasters, adding an element of severity to the composition. The upper portion of the building is crowned by a vertical attic floor, creating a majestic and festive appearance through its combination of white shell rock and gray stone.
The most striking feature of the Officers’ House is its central section, designed as an open passageway to the Eternal Flame, resembling a triumphal arch. This arch is supported by four pilasters formed by paired columns. The tall, multi-flight staircase leading up to it enhances the sense of solemnity and reverence. Above the arch is a copper bas-relief adorned with military symbols, adding to the building’s historical significance.
The four-story structure is constructed from monolithic reinforced concrete, with a tent-like roof over the auditorium. Inside, the original Czech-made chandeliers have been preserved, providing a glimpse of the building’s luxurious Soviet-era interiors.
The Unfinished Project
The Officers’ House, now known as the House of the Army, was part of a broader reconstruction of Almaty, planned to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. Originally, the building was intended to be even more grand and imposing. The initial design envisioned a sweeping arc that stretched from Gogol Street to present-day Dostyk Avenue (then Lenin Avenue). The architectural focal point was to be a round building for the Operetta Theater, giving the structure the appearance of a spiral. In front of the building, a grand Lenin Square was also planned.
However, the funding for this ambitious project was abruptly cut off. The foundation for the incomplete Operetta Theater now lies beneath Kaldyakov Street, and the Officers’ House was completed on a much more modest scale. Visitors can still see the attachments for the bas-relief above the arch on the Kaldyakov Street side—remnants of the unrealized original vision, which had planned for bas-reliefs to adorn both sides of the building.
During the reconstruction that led to the construction of the Officers’ House, many historic buildings in old Almaty were demolished. Only one wooden structure was spared, which today houses the Museum of Folk Instruments. Architect Yu. Ratushny believed that the contrast between the old wooden “fairy-tale” house and the imposing new structure would enhance the grandeur of the Officers’ House.
This monumental building remains a symbol of Almaty’s architectural history, combining Soviet-era grandeur with the evolving identity of modern Kazakhstan.
Explore historic Panfilov Park
Visit Almaty’s vibrant Green Bazaar
Discover scenic Ili Alatau Mountains
Cable car ride to Kok Tobe
Trek through Charyn Canyon’s canyons
Immerse in Kazakh nomadic traditions