The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

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The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Like many of the notable landmarks in Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan), the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (in Kazakh: Бейбітшілік пен келісім сарайы) was constructed fairly recently, in 2006. This monumental structure, shaped like a pyramid, rises above the presidential park and symbolizes religious tolerance and the unity of cultures in Kazakhstan.

The idea for its construction came from President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who proposed the creation of a special venue for holding assemblies and congresses of world religious leaders, representing faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and other religious traditions.

Interior of the Palace

The main entrance to the building is located underground, where you’ll also find the lobby, coat check, lounge, opera hall, and conference room. This level also displays original sketches by Norman Foster, photos from the building’s construction, and 21 traditional costumes, gifted by ethnocultural centers and embassies.

The interior of the lower floors predominantly uses dark materials, giving these areas a somewhat dim ambiance with very little natural light. In contrast, the upper levels are bright and airy, thanks to white finishing materials and abundant sunlight.

The second floor is home to the largest space in the building: the «Cheops» atrium and its adjoining rooms. From here, a spiraling staircase ascends to the top, surrounded by a mix of live and artificial plants. This area is often referred to as Astana’s hanging gardens or simply the «winter garden.» The final step leads to the building’s pinnacle, the «Cradle,» where world religious leaders meet for international discussions.

Facilities within the Palace

The Palace is equipped with:

  • Conference rooms,
  • An opera hall,
  • Offices and prayer rooms for representatives of 32 different religious faiths,
  • A press center,
  • A banquet hall,
  • Exhibition spaces that display works of art, temporary exhibitions, and host creative meetings attended by artists from Kazakhstan and other countries.

In addition to the various event spaces, the building also houses:

  • The University of Civilizations,
  • A library of spiritual and religious literature,
  • A research center for world religions,
  • The Kulanši Center for Contemporary Art,
  • A restaurant.

One of the most intriguing technological features of the building is its slanted elevators. The lift mechanisms allow the cabins to move at a 60-degree angle, parallel to the sides of the pyramid. Similar elevators can be found in the Eiffel Tower and a hotel in Las Vegas.

Concert and Opera Hall

The majority of the lower level is occupied by the concert hall, which seats 1,302 spectators in the stalls, dress circle, or one of the two balconies. The hall’s interior is adorned in burgundy and gold tones, and the ceiling of the opera house doubles as the floor of the atrium. Special reflectors built into the ceiling allow natural light to filter inside through the so-called «sun-window.»

The stage is equipped with advanced sound, lighting, and other technical systems, enabling the staging of the most complex and original productions. In front of the stage, the orchestra pit accommodates up to 70 musicians and consists of two independent platforms that can be raised and lowered as needed. For performers, there are 19 dressing rooms.

The Atrium

The most expansive part of the Palace is the «Cheops Atrium,» spanning over 2,000 square meters, with four adjoining galleries. One of these galleries features a large-scale model of Astana’s General Development Plan through 2030.

The total area of the atrium, including the four adjacent areas, is 3,069 square meters. The official website of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation states that the maximum capacity is 500 people, though some sources suggest it can accommodate up to 1,500.

The walls, clad in white marble, are adorned with stained glass windows featuring images of doves. Natural light floods the space not only through the windows but also through the glass dome on the top floor, where a circular meeting room is located.

Due to its central position within the pyramid, the atrium is often believed to possess mystical qualities. Those who believe in the unique properties of pyramids describe it as a place of strength. Some visitors come here specifically to make a wish and soak in the «magical energy.»

The atrium regularly hosts political events, religious congresses, and even wedding ceremonies.

The "Cradle"

The summit and the most important space within the pyramid is the «Cradle.» In 2006, it hosted the second World Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The name «Cradle» was inspired by the unique design of the room—a round hall that appears to be cradled by large supports, as if being held by parental hands.

Another distinguishing feature is the glass dome, decorated in sky-blue tones and featuring a mural of 130 doves. According to the artist’s vision, the doves represent the various peoples of Kazakhstan, and the number of doves at the pyramid’s top is 130.

From the «Cradle,» visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Astana’s major landmarks, including the residence of the President of Kazakhstan «Ak Orda,» the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Supreme Court, and the monument «Astana-Bayterek.»

Construction History

The competition for the best project attracted dozens of architects and design firms from around the world, including Italy, Germany, France, Turkey, and Bulgaria. The contest went through several stages and ultimately, the renowned British architect Norman Foster was selected as the winner. The project was carried out by the Turkish company Sembol Inşaat, with approximately 2,000 people working on the site.

Construction of the pyramid in Astana began in 2004 and took 13 months to complete, finishing in time for the second Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The structure is a perfectly shaped pyramid, set atop an artificial hill 15 meters high. The first floor is monolithic and lies underground, while the upper floors are metal constructions, clad in decorative panels. The frame is formed by five rows of steel triangles, each measuring 12 meters.

The two upper rows form the pyramid’s glass-encased peak, crowned with an artistic panel featuring images of doves, created by artist Brian Clarke. At night, the stained-glass top is illuminated from within, and during the day, sunlight streams inside through the glass. The peak of the pyramid is visible from virtually any point in the city.

Key features of the structure:

  • The pyramid’s frame is made of steel, with concrete used for the lower levels.
  • The width and height of the pyramid are identical, measuring 61.8 meters each.
  • The total height, from the underground level to the top floor, is 75 meters.
  • The overall area is 25,500 square meters.
  • The weight of the metal structures is 5,100 tons.

Interesting Fact

The engineers designed the building to withstand temperature fluctuations ranging from -40°C to over +40°C. A special construction on sliding supports allows for up to 30 centimeters of expansion and contraction due to these changes in temperature.

Visiting Information

The Palace is open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from May to September, it remains open until 7:30 PM.

Ticket prices are 1,000 KZT for adults and 650 KZT for children. Guided tours are available daily in Russian, Kazakh, and English.