In the heart of Tashkent, a stone’s throw away from the bustling central station, lies a remarkable testament to Uzbekistan’s railway heritage—the Museum of Railway Technology. Established in 1989 to commemorate a century of railroads in the nation, this museum is an open-air gallery that preserves the majestic steam and diesel locomotives which once traversed the vast expanses of the country.
The museum is renowned for its unique collection, which includes 13 historic engines that stand as monuments to the bygone era of rail travel. These colossal black machines, with their elongated boilers mounted on formidable wheels, are a visual homage to the strength and endurance of these steel behemoths.
Visitors to the museum can explore a fleet of 18 diesel and 3 electric locomotives, each narrating a chapter of Uzbekistan’s railway evolution. The diverse coach collection reveals the multifaceted nature of train carriages, tailored to the specific needs of cargo transport or the functions they served. The museum itself stretches nearly 1 kilometer, with excursions often conducted aboard a miniature train that travels from the entrance to the park’s farthest reaches.
The museum not only showcases locomotives but also features an assortment of historical railway equipment. Operational semaphores and radios, still using Morse code, offer a glimpse into the communication methods of the past.
Affectionately known as the ‘museum of engines’ by locals, this site captivates not just as an exhibition of the evolution of railway transport but also as a picturesque park. It has become a favored spot for photographers seeking a retro backdrop for their sessions, and wedding parties frequently visit to capture enchanting moments amidst the grandeur of these iron giants.
Above all, the Museum of Railway Technology is a wonderland for children. The opportunity to climb aboard and imagine themselves as engineers of these massive locomotives brings joy and sparks dreams of adventure on the endless tracks of imagination.
Address: 6, Turkiston Street, Tashkent
Phone: (+998 71) 299-72-77, (+998 71) 299-70-40
Working hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Lunch: from 01:00 p.m to 02:00 p.m.
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Tours in Uzbekistan
