Founded in 1995, the Karaganda Environmental Museum (EcoMuseum) stands unique—not only within Kazakhstan but across the entire Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Established in response to pressing environmental challenges, the museum aims to raise public awareness of ecological issues, foster a culture of environmental stewardship, and inspire community involvement in nature preservation. It also serves as a crucial source of information about Kazakhstan’s natural resources and their current conditions.
The EcoMuseum operates as a membership-based organization, bringing together dedicated volunteers who organize initiatives to protect and conserve Kazakhstan’s natural assets. In addition, the museum houses a Tourism Information Center, which organizes excursions throughout Kazakhstan, providing insights on notable attractions, travel routes, and local accommodation options for visitors looking to explore both Karaganda and the country at large.
EcoMuseum staff engage actively in research projects and scientific expeditions. The museum’s current focus areas include studies of Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the Sary-Shagan missile defense site, and nearby communities affected by these locations. Their efforts have led to significant environmental advancements, such as the region’s first Biogas Center in Central Kazakhstan, where agricultural workers are trained in building biogas facilities to improve sustainability.
The museum’s permanent exhibition includes 14 thematic displays focused on diverse aspects of ecology, alongside more than 100 temporary exhibits hosted in Kazakhstan and abroad. The EcoMuseum’s collection, amassed from various locations across Kazakhstan, features an eclectic range of artifacts, including parts of rockets and aircraft, production and military technology from the Soviet era to modern Kazakhstan, and items collected from environmental expeditions.
Through its exhibits, the museum offers a wealth of information on Kazakhstan’s natural resources, illustrating the extraction and processing of its minerals while addressing the environmental challenges associated with activities at Baikonur Cosmodrome. A prominent feature of the museum is its section on the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, which sheds light on the site’s history, nuclear testing conducted there, and the lasting impact on the local environment.
Address: Bukhar-Zhyrau Avenue, 47
Hours: Mon — Fri: 9:00 AM — 6:00 PM, closed for lunch 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM
Phone: (7212) 41-33-44
Website: http://www.ecomuseum.kz