Founded in the year 1918, the State Art Museum of Uzbekistan began its journey with a foundational collection of 100 pieces, encompassing sculptures, paintings, drawings, and porcelain. These were primarily the works of Russian and Western European masters, originating from the esteemed collections of Prince Romanov and other private collectors of the era. These collections were nationalized by the Soviet government in the aftermath of the revolution, marking the beginning of a public repository of fine arts.
Initially known as the Museum of National University, it wasn’t until 1935 that it adopted the title of the State Museum of Art, a name it proudly carries to this day.
The museum’s inaugural exhibition found its home within the walls of Prince Romanov’s former palace, and later, it moved to the edifice known as the People’s House.
In a transformative event in 1974, the People’s House made way for a new architectural marvel that would house the State Art Museum. This new structure, designed by the visionary Soviet architects I. Abdulov, A. Nikiforov, and S. Rosenblum, broke the mold of conventional design. It was conceived as a colossal cube, its facades segmented into squares by metal frameworks and clad in aluminum sheets, a bold statement in the architectural landscape of the time.
The base of the building and its entrance were adorned with polished gray marble, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur. The museum’s windows were fitted with chrom-brugnatellite glass, a material chosen for its ability to soften the harsh glare of sunlight and create a serene, diffused indoor lighting atmosphere. This iconic building has stood the test of time and remains a central landmark in Tashkent.
From its inception, the museum’s collection has seen a rapid and significant expansion, enriched by contributions from the Turkestan Regional Museum and major institutions in Moscow and Leningrad. It also became a repository for the creative output of Uzbek artists, thereby broadening the narrative of the nation’s artistic heritage.
Today, the museum boasts an impressive array of works by illustrious artists such as I. Shishkin, P. Benkov, V. Vereshchagin, Z. Kovalevsky, A. Belloli, and many others, whose masterpieces continue to be a part of the museum’s esteemed collection. Each piece within its walls is a testament to the enduring legacy of art and culture that has been carefully preserved and celebrated in Uzbekistan.
Address: 16, Movarounnakhr str., Tashkent
Phone: (+998 71) 236-74-36, 236-34-44
Working hours: from 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m (w/o lunch)
Closed: on Monday
Tours in Uzbekistan
