The Nur Alem Pavilion stands out as the most recognizable symbol of Астана’s transformation into a city of innovation and ambition. This stunning building is an architectural marvel – a perfect glass sphere with 80 meters in diameter and rising 100 meters tall, making it the largest spherical building in the world. It was designed by the US-American architectural team Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, renowned for their work on some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers. Built for EXPO 2017, Nur Alem’s graceful curves and shimmering surface have since turned it into a true icon of the Kazakh capital.
EXPO 2017 was a milestone event for Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region. Hosted from June 10 to September 10, 2017, it brought together 115 countries and 22 international organizations under the theme ‚Future Energy‘. The exhibition aimed to address global energy challenges and showcased advances in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainability. With over 4 million visitors, Expo 2017 established Астана as a global meeting place for innovation and dialogue about the future of the planet’s resources.
After the EXPO concluded, the Nur Alem Pavilion became the Museum of Future Energy, the first institution of its kind in Kazakhstan. The glass sphere houses a unique and interactive museum dedicated to exploring energy in all its forms (currently it is unfortunately closed and undergoing major renovations). The building itself is a showcase of renewable technologies – with solar panels integrated into its façade and wind turbines at the top, the pavilion not only exhibits but also produces clean energy. Nur Alem’s architecture, in both form and function, symbolizes Kazakhstan’s commitment to sustainable progress.
Inside, the museum is divided across eight floors, each with its own thematic focus. The lowest floor introduces the history, culture, and geography of Kazakhstan, while the remaining levels invite visitors into immersive displays about various types of energy – space, solar, biomass, wind, water, and kinetic. Exhibits are highly interactive, allowing guests to experiment and discover scientific phenomena firsthand. The top floor offers a sweeping observation deck where visitors can take in panoramic views of Астана, making the Nur Alem experience both educational and memorable.
Nur Alem Pavilion
EXPO 2017
Астана
Kazakhstan
Loading map...
