Military History Museum

The Military History Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is part of the National Military-Patriotic Center of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. In addition to the museum’s main exhibits, the building, which previously served as a concert hall for the Ministry of Defense, also houses a concert hall and exhibition spaces for temporary displays. This location also serves as the headquarters for the Ministry of Defense’s military orchestra and ensemble.

The Military History Museum is the most technologically advanced in the country. Its impressive features include wall-sized monitors that display well-crafted films detailing the history of military campaigns during the era of Kazakh khans and documentary footage from World War II. The museum’s collection boasts over 6,000 artifacts gathered from across Kazakhstan.

Among the notable items on display are personal belongings of Ivan Panfilov, a Hero of the Soviet Union, as well as original certificates acknowledging the awards given to two of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The museum also honors modern heroes, including personal items belonging to Kazakh cosmonauts Aydin Aimbetov and Talgat Musabayev. Additionally, the museum holds the flag of the Kazakh Air Force, which orbited the Earth more than 150 times alongside the cosmonauts.

As visitors enter the museum, they are greeted by a striking atrium with murals spanning from floor to ceiling, depicting troops from various historical periods. Baroque reliefs are also present, illustrating the unique weapons, armor, and attire of nomadic tribes from different eras.

The museum’s exhibitions are divided into the following sections:

• “Antiquity – 19th Century”
• “Weapons of the 20th and 21st Centuries”
• “20th Century Military History”
• “Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan”
• “Fine Arts”

Antiquity – 19th Century Hall
This section traces the development of weaponry in Kazakhstan, featuring artifacts dating as far back as the Stone Age. All these items were found within the country. Additionally, the exhibition includes samples of armor and equipment, notably a meticulously crafted “bori” armor from the 6th–8th centuries, which stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of early Kazakh warriors.

Weapons of the 20th and 21st Centuries Hall
This hall showcases various types of modern weaponry, including pistols, rifles, machine guns, and ammunition, along with aviation armaments from the 20th and 21st centuries.

20th Century Military History Hall
In this section, visitors can explore significant events in Kazakhstan’s military history from the 20th century. One of the standout exhibits is a unique display about the Alash Orda, a self-declared Kazakh state that existed during the Russian Civil War from 1917 to 1920. Another prominent display focuses on Kazakhstan’s involvement in World War II and the Soviet-Afghan War.

One feature that stands out in this hall is the “Wall of Memory,” where the names of recipients of the Order of Glory, Heroes of the Soviet Union, and Kazakhstan’s highest state award, “National Hero,” are projected.

The hall also includes an interactive book, made possible through rare archival documents provided by the Russian Federation. This book offers new insights into World War II and can be fully explored by visitors.

Also displayed here are documents detailing the creation of the legendary 100th Kazakh Rifle Brigade, formed in Almaty in 1941, which played a crucial role in the Velikiye Luki and Nevel operations. Among its ranks, 215 soldiers were personally awarded for acts of bravery.

Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan Hall
This section highlights the various branches of Kazakhstan’s military, including air defense, naval, and ground forces. On display are original military uniforms, awards, and weapons, both historical and modern. Detailed models of military aircraft, helicopters, ships, and tanks are also featured. Notable among these are the T-72 tank, the Su-25 attack aircraft, and the “Tornado” patrol boat.

Fine Arts Hall
This hall contains a collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures dedicated to Kazakhstan’s military past. Particularly noteworthy are the sculpted portraits of Zhambyl Zhabayev (the renowned Kazakh poet), Manshuk Mametova (a machine gunner during World War II and the first Kazakh woman to be awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union), and Aliya Moldagulova (a sniper and Hero of the Soviet Union).

Admission and Opening Hours
Admission to the Military History Museum of Kazakhstan is completely free for all visitors, including tourists. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with Monday as the designated day off.

How to Get There
The museum is located at Republic Square, 2, Astana.