Kulanashi Contemporary Art Center

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Kulanashi Contemporary Art Center

The Kulanashi Contemporary Art Center is an art gallery located within the renowned Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also known as «The Pyramid,» in Astana. The center focuses on two key areas: organizing exhibitions of emerging artists and providing educational opportunities. It hosts an academic studio where students learn drawing and painting, as well as a project-based extension offering festivals and masterclasses. The center was founded by Leila Mahat, a Kazakh artist, and later attracted curators from Israel, Italy, Spain, and Germany. A notable highlight of the center is its collection of original artworks by masters such as Picasso and Chagall.

The art center is located on the 6th floor of The Pyramid, a structure famous for its high-tech architectural style and pyramid shape. This remarkable building was constructed in 2006 for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and symbolizes peace and harmony, as represented by a stained-glass image of 130 doves at the top. The interior also houses an opera hall, where Montserrat Caballé performed at its opening. The venue frequently hosts concerts, performances, cultural evenings, and other events. Conference halls are available for meetings and seminars. The cultural complex occupies over 1,000 square meters of space, divided into four main areas:

  • The academic studio, where lessons and masterclasses are conducted;
  • The Classics Hall, the pride of the center, showcasing works by renowned artists;
  • Exhibition rooms, used for temporary displays from both local and international artists;
  • A lecture hall, where films are shown and seminars led by prominent creative figures are held.

The permanent collection at the center features several original works of significant historical value, including graphic pieces by Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt van Rijn, as well as lithographs by Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and other masterpieces restored by German specialists.

In addition to its permanent collection, the center hosts monthly exhibitions of collections by young artists and sculptors from across the globe, including Kazakhstan, Turkey, Brazil, the USA, Georgia, Italy, and the Czech Republic, among others. These events often feature practical and theoretical sessions where participants can learn new techniques and engage in discussions about the future of art. The center is also active in project-based initiatives, such as the annual Art Forum Kulanshi festival, which gathers hundreds of participants under one roof. One of its signature events is the “Here and Now” competition, showcasing the works of Kazakh designers. Additionally, the center runs a traveling gallery called «The Scent of Wormwood,» which has already visited cities like Beijing, Berlin, and New York.

Hours of Operation

Kulanashi is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, without breaks. It is closed on Sundays. The center may have altered hours or be closed entirely on public holidays. Temporary exhibitions may have different schedules.

Admission Fees

Visitors can choose from several admission options:

  • General admission: 200 tenge;
  • Tour of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, including Kulanashi: 800 tenge;
  • Private tour: 1,000 tenge;
  • Children under 6 years old: free admission.