Bukhara State Architectural Art Museum

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Bukhara State Architectural Art Museum

Architectural Art Museum
Architectural Art Museum

The Bukhara State Architectural Art Museum-Preserve, established in 1922, is a treasure trove of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural, material, and intellectual heritage. Since 1945, the museum has been housed in the historic Ark fortress, a symbol of Bukhara’s enduring legacy. The museum’s extensive collection boasts over 100,000 items, including gold embroidery, copper chased items, ganch carving, architectural decor samples, coins, household items, graphic works, paintings, sculptures, old maps, books, and other historically significant documents.

In 1985, the museum was designated as a state cultural preserve, reflecting its importance in safeguarding Uzbekistan’s heritage. Today, the museum operates six branches with 18 permanent exhibitions spread across various architectural monuments in Bukhara.

Main Expositions of the Bukhara Museum

  1. Ark Citadel: The Ark Citadel serves as the headquarters of the Bukhara museum. It houses exhibitions on the history, numismatics, epigraphy, nature, and scripts of Bukhara, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the region’s past.

  2. Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace: This branch of the museum, located in the summer residence of the Bukhara emirs, showcases the ornamental and applied arts of Central Asia. Visitors can also explore household items used by the Bukhara emirs.

  3. Fayzulla Khodjaev Memorial House-Museum: This museum provides a glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, offering insights into the social and economic history of the period.

  4. Kukeldash Madrasah: The medieval Kukeldash Madrasah hosts exhibitions dedicated to the literary works and sociopolitical activities of prominent Jadidism figures, including Sadriddin Ayni and Jalol Ikromi. In 1996, a separate memorial museum for Abdurauf Fitrat, a significant contributor to modern Uzbek literature, was established on Nakshbandi Street.

  5. Nadir Divan-Begi Tekke: Located in the historical center of Bukhara, this museum branch features modern items crafted by Bukhara artisans and works by talented painters. Visitors can purchase these items as unique Bukhara souvenirs.

  6. Magoki-Attori Mosque: The carpet museum, housed in the Magoki-Attori Mosque, displays exquisite oriental carpets from Uzbek, Turkmen, Iranian, Kazakh, and Armenian weavers dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. These carpets are renowned for their natural softness, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors.

  7. Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum: This museum branch is dedicated to the water supply history of the Bukhara region. Exhibits include travelers’ leather wineskins, copper vessels, and ceramic water pipes from past centuries.

  8. Former Emir Prison-Zindan: The museum’s exposition on the legal procedure system of the 19th and 20th centuries is located in the former emir prison-zindan, built in the 18th century in the northwest of the ancient shakhristan.

  9. Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Museum: This modern building, designed by Uzbek architect Zoirsho Klichev in 2001, is dedicated to the life and work of Imam al-Bukhari, a major Islamic theologian.

  10. Bakhouddin Naqshbandi Memorial Complex: Located 12 km from Bukhara, this complex features an exhibition on the Sufi doctrine of Naqshbandi, known as tarikat.

  11. Abdullaziz Khan Madrasah: This madrasah, built at the end of the 17th century, showcases the finest examples of Bukhara carvers’ craftsmanship.

  12. Ulugbek Madrasah: This museum branch is dedicated to the history of the restoration of Bukhara’s architectural monuments, starting from the early 20th century.

  13. Kuluta Caravanserai: The Museum of Blacksmith Shop, located in the Kuluta caravanserai within Bukhara’s second trade dome, offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of blacksmithing in Bukhara. Visitors can also participate in crafting items under the guidance of renowned Bukhara blacksmith usto Shakir Kamalov.

  14. Ibrahim Okhunda Madrasah: This museum provides insights into the early medieval city of Varakhsh (4th-7th centuries B.C.), once a prosperous capital of Bukhar-khudats.

  15. Kamoliddin Behzod Fine Arts Museum: This museum offers two temporary exhibitions dedicated to the fine arts of Bukhara and the history of jewelry from the 1st century BC to the 20th century.

  16. Paikend Museum: Located 60 km from Bukhara, this museum is dedicated to the history of the ancient settlement of Paikend. It was opened in 2003 near the ruins of the settlement.

  17. Abu Ali Ibn Sino Museum: Built in 1980 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the renowned oriental scientist and doctor Avicenna, this museum in Afshona, his native village, focuses on Avicenna’s life during the Samanid era (late 9th to early 10th centuries).

The Bukhara State Architectural Art Museum-Preserve offers a rich and diverse exploration of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. Each branch and exhibition provides a unique perspective on the region’s history, art, and traditions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the legacy of Bukhara.

Address: 2, Afrosiab str., Bukhara
Phone: (+99865) 224-13-49, 224-21-07
Working hours: from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Day off: Wednesday

Bukhara's Old city centre

Bukhara city tour

From$70
6-7 hours

Wander through old Bukhara.
Visit the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
Explore Chor-Minor’s unique towers
Admire the Kalyan Minaret’s grandeur
Discover history at Ark Fortress

Explore Bukhara's rich history on a one-day tour, visiting iconic sites like the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Chor-Minor Madrassa, and the Ark Fortress. Experience ancient mosques, vibrant trade domes, and majestic minarets, immersing yourself in the city's architectural splendor.
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