The Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts in Алматы is the largest and most prominent art museum in Kazakhstan. Established officially in 1976, it was named in honor of Abylkhan Kasteyev, a celebrated Kazakh painter and founder of the national school of painting. The museum’s collection exceeds 23,000 works, encompassing an extensive range of Kazakh historic and contemporary art, Soviet-era pieces, Russian art from the 17th to 20th centuries, as well as Western European and East Asian art. Its holdings include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and folk applied art, making it a comprehensive showcase of Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage alongside global artistic traditions.
Visitors to the museum can explore impressive exhibitions featuring works by Kazakhstani masters such as Isaac Itkind and Zhanatay Shardenov, the latter often referred to as the ‚Kazakh Van Gogh‘. The museum is also renowned for its collections from the Soviet period, including pieces by Konstantin Yuon and Alexander Deineka, and its European art section, displaying masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and Albrecht Dürer. Additionally, the museum houses a distinguished collection of felt carpets, leather, woodwork, and other traditional Kazakh crafts, preserving the nation’s folk art heritage. This diversity appeals to both art connoisseurs and those interested in cultural history.
Housed in an architecturally significant building that itself is a protected cultural monument, the museum is not only a center for public exhibition but also a vital research and educational institution in Kazakhstan. It carefully manages its collection with modern conservation standards, ensuring the longevity of its priceless artworks. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the museum offers visitors a deep dive into Kazakhstan’s artistic evolution and its connections with broader artistic movements across Eurasia, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in Алматы.
Мемлекеттік Ә. Қастеев атындағы өнер мұражайы
Алматы
Kazakhstan
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