The Saken Seifullin Museum

The Saken Seifullin Museum in Astana is the largest museum in Kazakhstan dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Kazakh poet, writer, playwright, educator, and statesman. Officially opened on February 20, 1988, the museum is housed in a wooden building constructed in 1846, which itself is a historic architectural monument of the 19th century.

Museum Exhibition The museum’s exhibits span six halls, showcasing over 5,000 items, including personal belongings of Saken Seifullin, donated by his wife and relatives. Visitors can also see books, photographs, archival documents, as well as paintings and sculptures that honor Seifullin’s life and literary achievements.

Hall 1: The Capital The first hall is dedicated to the current capital of Kazakhstan. Photographs of Astana adorn the walls, reflecting its transformation over time. Until 1961, the city was known as Akmolinsk, where Seifullin was born, educated, and began his public and political career.

Hall 2: Childhood and Youth The second hall focuses on Seifullin’s early years, capturing his childhood and youth. This section highlights his education and early literary success. At the age of 20, while in Omsk, Seifullin published his first article in the magazine Aikap. During his time in Omsk, he also led the first Kazakh youth cultural and educational society, “Unity.”

Hall 3: Government and Educational Work The third hall, titled “Government and Pedagogical Activity,” displays numerous archival documents, photographs, and materials related to Seifullin’s work as the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of Kazakhstan (then known as the Kirghiz ASSR).

Hall 4: Literary Activity Despite his high-ranking positions, Seifullin never abandoned his creative endeavors, leaving behind a significant literary legacy. The fourth hall, aptly named “Literary Activity,” allows visitors to explore Seifullin’s writings, including personal items, letters, books, and photo correspondence related to his literary career.

Hall 5: Final Days The penultimate hall tells the story of Seifullin’s tragic final days. He was executed in 1938 during the Stalinist repressions. This hall contains documents from that dark period, including the protocols from the search of his home in September 1937, copies of his indictment, and records of his sentencing and execution.

Hall 6: Legacy and Rehabilitation Seifullin’s name was posthumously rehabilitated in 1958, and from that moment on, new research began to emerge about his life and work. The final hall, titled “In the People’s Memory,” displays books written by scholars studying Seifullin’s legacy. It also showcases works published after his rehabilitation, along with souvenirs commemorating significant anniversaries related to the poet.

Museum Hours The Saken Seifullin Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, without breaks. The museum is closed on Mondays.