The Palace of Independence

The State Communal Government Enterprise “Palace of Independence” in Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) was established in 2008, following an initiative from the President of Kazakhstan. The building’s design takes inspiration from the traditional Kazakh dwelling, the yurt, specifically its collapsible framework, known as the kerege. This structural concept symbolizes a connection between the rich heritage of the past and the innovative technologies of the present. The Kazakh name for the building is Tәuelsіzdіk Saraiy.

Covering an impressive area of over 40,000 square meters, the Palace of Independence serves as a venue for various official state functions, forums, congresses, and meetings. Its advanced technological setup makes it equally suitable for hosting concerts, exhibitions, and festive events. Many high-profile events, including international summits, are held here, making the Palace a significant location in Kazakhstan’s political and cultural life. Due to its hosting of numerous traveling exhibitions, the Palace is often referred to as a cultural center of Astana.

Ticket Prices: Visitors can explore several sections of the Palace, including the Ethnography Hall, Art Gallery, and Exhibition Pavilion on the third floor, as well as the Hall of Models. The ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: 400 Kazakh tenge (KZT)
• Children (aged 7-14): 300 tenge
• Children under 7: Free entry

These same rates apply to the 360-degree format cinema. Visitors also have the option to rent rooms within the Palace for events.

Tours: The Palace of Independence offers a range of guided tours for guests, where they can learn about the history and significance of the building. Some of the tours include:

• “Master Plan of Astana Development”: This tour introduces visitors to a model of Astana, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city while explaining future infrastructure plans. Adult tickets are priced at 400 tenge, and children’s tickets at 300 tenge.
• Viewing the “Legend of Baiterek” film in 4D: Tickets for this experience are 400 tenge for adults and 300 tenge for children.
• Audio tours: Visitors can explore the Palace at their own pace, with an audio guide available in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Tickets cost 400 tenge for adults and 300 tenge for children.

Tours run from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with the ticket counter closing at 5:30 PM. Monday is a day off. Detailed information on available tours can be found on the Palace’s official website. Entry to exhibitions in the modern art gallery is free of charge.

The Palace of Independence consists of three floors, each designed for different functions.

On the first floor, visitors will find halls for large-scale events:

• Congress Hall, with a capacity of more than 3,000 people. The hall features movable panels, allowing the space to be divided into smaller areas for multiple events to take place simultaneously.
• Press Center, which accommodates 200 people and is equipped with everything necessary for journalists to work efficiently and for press conferences to be held.
• Banquet Hall, with seating for up to 400 guests, often used for banquets, buffets, and entertainment shows. The hall’s windows offer views of the fountains in the Palace Square.
• Conference Hall, seating 273 people, used for formal events.
• Oval Hall, covering 200 square meters, reserved for official meetings and gatherings.

The second floor houses the Palace’s art gallery, the largest in Astana. Here, visitors can admire artwork from both classical and contemporary Kazakh painters and sculptors. The galleries also display traditional Kazakh jewelry and national costumes.

The third floor focuses on the history of Astana. Exhibits showcase the development of Kazakhstan’s young capital, including a detailed model of the city in 2030, built to a scale of 1:600. This model occupies an entire hall. Visitors can also watch a 4D film or experience a panoramic 360-degree cinema, with the former seating 48 people and the latter accommodating 40.