In the shadow of the majestic Tian Shan mountains, a cultural revolution is taking shape. The Almaty Museum of Arts, set to open its doors in Summer 2025, promises to be more than just a building—it’s a bold statement of Central Asia’s artistic prowess and a bridge to the global art world.
A Visionary’s Dream
At the heart of this ambitious project is Nurlan Smagulov, a collector, philanthropist, and businessman whose passion for art has ignited a cultural beacon for Kazakhstan and beyond.
“Art has the power to transform lives, and it once transformed mine,” Smagulov shares, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. “For me, Almaty Museum of Arts is not just a museum; it serves as a bridge that connects Central Asia’s vibrant and diverse art with the global cultural scene.”
This isn’t just hyperbole—Smagulov is putting his money where his mouth is. The museum, spanning an impressive 9,400 m², will house over 700 modern and contemporary Kazakh and Central Asian artworks from his personal collection. But that’s not all—prepare to be awestruck by international masterpieces, including:
- A monumental ceramic mural by Fernand Léger
- A large-scale walkthrough sculpture by Richard Serra
- A multi-channel audiovisual installation by Bill Viola
Architectural Marvel Meets Artistic Vision
Designed by the renowned British architects Chapman Taylor, the museum’s structure is a work of art in itself. Picture two ‘L’-shaped forms intertwining—one clad in limestone representing the mountains, the other in aluminium symbolizing the city. This architectural dance creates a stunning visual metaphor for the intersection of nature and urban life that defines Almaty.
But it’s not just about looks. The building is a carefully crafted space for art to thrive:
- A 1,000 m² temporary exhibitions room with soaring 12m ceilings
- A permanent exhibition room for rotating thematic displays
- Dedicated artist rooms for immersive experiences
- An ‘Art Street’—a naturally-lit corridor connecting exhibition spaces
More Than a Museum
Led by Artistic Director Meruyert Kaliyeva and Chief Curator Inga Lāce, the Almaty Museum of Arts aims to be a catalyst for cultural growth. It’s not just about displaying art—it’s about nurturing it.
“Our mission,” explains Kaliyeva, “is to create an inspiring space where both the people of Kazakhstan and international visitors can experience contemporary art that resonates with universal human experiences, while also showcasing the distinctive cultural voices of our region.”
From research initiatives to dynamic exhibitions, from commissioned works to educational programs, the museum is poised to become a transformative hub for culture in the region.
A Gift to the City, A Beacon for the World
In a move that speaks volumes about his commitment to his hometown, Smagulov plans to gift the Almaty Museum of Arts and its collection to the city of Almaty. This generous act ensures that the museum will serve as a lasting legacy, enriching the lives of generations to come.
As we eagerly await the Summer 2025 opening, one thing is clear: the Almaty Museum of Arts is not just opening its doors—it’s opening a whole new chapter in the story of Central Asian art.
The Programme
Almaty Museum of Arts will open with two exhibitions and a performance art program:
- A solo show by Kazakh artist Almagul Menlibayeva titled I Understand Everything, curated by renowned Thai curator Gridthiya Gaweewong. The Almaty-born artist’s first-ever retrospective offers an in-depth showcase of her work from the 1980s to the present day, ranging from paintings and works on paper to lightboxes and immersive video installations. Menlibayeva’s work delves into the overlooked narratives and untold histories of Central Asia, addressing critical themes like the role of women, identity politics, ecology, and neo-colonialism. She intertwines these themes with indigenous cosmologies and mythologies, presenting a layered and nuanced exploration of the region’s evolving identity.
- Qonaqtar, a group exhibition curated by Inga Lāce that draws from the museum’s collection, exploring the connections and tensions between hospitality and migration, with a focus on Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and its neighbouring regions.
- An opening performance art program is curated by Anne Davidian, featuring performance, film, talks, and communal gatherings. It is inspired by Central Asia’s rich musical heritage and the museum’s bustling location at the crossroads of Al-Farabi Avenue, named after Abu Nasr Al-Farabi (born c. 878), the philosopher and author of The Great Book of Music.
The Collection
The Almaty Museum of Arts’ collection comprises works by Kazakh modern artists Aisha Galimbayeva, Salikhitdin Aytbayev, Makum Kisamedinov, and Shaimardan Sariyev. They are complemented by works of pioneering contemporary artists such as Rustam Khalfin, Sergey Maslov, Yerbossyn Meldibekov, Saule Suleimenova, and Said Atabekov. The growing Central Asian contemporary art collection includes pieces by artists such as Saodat Ismailova from Uzbekistan and Jazgul Madazimova from Kyrgyzstan. International dialogues within the collection are fostered by artists such as Khadim Ali, Xu Zhen, and Jadé Fadojutimi, among others.
Artistic Director Meruyert Kaliyeva comments:
“We are here to celebrate the voices, visions, and histories of artists from Kazakhstan and beyond, providing a vibrant platform for further study and appreciation of contemporary art in the region. We aim to inspire curiosity, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the artistic heritage and contemporary expressions that shape and reflect Central Asia’s cultural landscape.”
