Zhambyl Regional History Museum

To explore the rich, eventful history of the Zhambyl region, a visit to the Zhambyl Regional History and Local Lore Museum in Taraz is essential. Located in one of Kazakhstan’s most ancient cities, the museum boasts a unique collection of artifacts representing the region’s cultural heritage. Established in 1931, the museum first opened its doors to the public in August that year, announced via local radio. At that time, it operated from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with free admission. The museum’s foundation was built with the contributions of local citizens, including intellectuals, workers, students, and elderly residents. Initially, it consisted of two exhibit halls, a small guardroom, and a modest office. The total area spanned just over 320 square meters.

The museum was officially granted regional status in 1940, by which time it had amassed an impressive collection of artifacts from both Taraz and beyond. In the mid-1970s, it was included in the All-Union tourist route, attracting foreign visitors. This period marked a significant upgrade when the museum received a three-story building, an example of late 19th-century architecture.

Today, the museum houses over 65,000 fascinating artifacts, each with its own story. Visitors can explore archaeological finds, works of art, crafts, historic documents, intriguing photographs, and much more. The collections include numismatic items, household objects, manuscripts, runic inscriptions, fossilized trees, and skeletons of ancient animals, creating a truly captivating experience. Covering a total area of over 2,000 square meters, the museum features 14 halls dedicated to various aspects of the region’s history, including the natural environment, archaeological discoveries, and several key historical periods. The exhibits span from the Kazakh Khanate era to the modern day, with separate halls devoted to cultural harmony, resettlement, stone sculptures, and ancient Turkic scripts. A unique feature of the museum is a semi-circular structure representing both an ancient burial mound and a traditional nomadic yurt, housing a remarkable collection of balbals (stone warrior sculptures).

The historical section is divided into several areas, illustrating:

• The formation and development of the Kazakh Khanate;
• The rise of Soviet power in Central Asia, specifically in Zhambyl Province;
• The lives and heroic deeds of locals during the Great Patriotic War;
• The post-war economic recovery and resilience against challenges.

A prominent display showcases the works of Leonid Vladimirovich Bryummer, an artist deported to Pavlodar Province in 1941, who lived and created art in Taraz (then Dzhambul) from 1955 to 1971. As a park decorator, Bryummer bequeathed his paintings to the regional museum after his death, resulting in a substantial donation of nearly 1,000 pieces, as he had never sold his works during his lifetime.

The museum’s crown jewels are artifacts from ancient Taraz, forming a standalone collection that extends beyond a simple exhibit. The ancient settlement dates back to pre-Christian times, as confirmed by archaeological findings showcased here. Highlights include arrowheads, sacrificial sculptures, bronze vessels, and an ancient Saka military helmet—one of only three such discoveries in the former Soviet Union.

Address: 55 Tole Bi Avenue
Hours: Tue — Sun: 9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays