Central Asia’s First Private Modern Art Museum

2 minute(s) ·  November 28, 2024

Set to open in 2025, the Almaty Museum of Arts will be Central Asia's first private modern art museum, featuring over 700 regional and international works in a landmark building, with a mission to connect Kazakhstan's cultural heritage to the global art scene.

Central Asia's First Private Museum of Modern Art to Open in Almaty in 2025

Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, is set to welcome the region's first private museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in the summer of 2025. Spanning over 9,400 square meters, the Almaty Museum of Arts will showcase a collection of more than 700 artworks by Kazakh and Central Asian artists, alongside pieces by renowned international figures.

The museum’s building, designed by British architects Chapman Taylor, reflects Almaty’s unique identity. Its design features two L-shaped structures: one clad in aluminum, representing the bustling urban environment, and the other in limestone, symbolizing the nearby Tian Shan mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The museum’s collection belongs to Nurlan Smagulov, a Kazakh entrepreneur and president of the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation. Smagulov shared his vision for the museum:

“Art has the power to transform lives, and it once transformed mine. For me, the Almaty Museum of Arts is a bridge connecting Central Asia’s vibrant art with the global cultural scene. Our mission is to create an inspiring space where visitors can experience universal human stories through art while celebrating the region’s unique cultural voices.”

World-Class Exhibitions and Iconic Works
The museum will feature a variety of works, including a ceramic mural by French modernist Fernand Léger, a walkthrough sculpture by the late American artist Richard Serra, and a multi-channel audiovisual installation by video artist Bill Viola. Outdoor sculptures by Polish-German artist Alicja Kwade and British artist Yinka Shonibare will also enhance the museum's grounds.

The facilities include a 1,000 m² temporary exhibition space with 12-meter-high ceilings, which will host biannual special exhibitions, a permanent gallery for the museum's collection, and outdoor sculpture gardens.

The inaugural exhibition, I Understand Everything, will spotlight Almaty-born artist Almagul Menlibayeva. This retrospective will explore her career from the 1980s to today, addressing themes such as the role of women, identity politics, ecology, and neo-colonialism.

Leadership and Vision
The museum’s chief curator is Inga Lāce, a former fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Lāce is known for curating the Latvian pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale and leading the Latvian contemporary art festival Survival Kit.

The artistic director is Almaty native Meruyert Kaliyeva, who studied art history at University College London and previously worked at Christie’s auction house. She founded Aspan Gallery in Almaty, focusing on Central Asian contemporary art. Kaliyeva emphasized the museum’s mission:

“We aim to celebrate the voices, visions, and histories of artists from Kazakhstan and beyond, fostering curiosity, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of Central Asia’s cultural landscape.”

With its ambitious programming and innovative design, the Almaty Museum of Arts promises to become a cornerstone for art lovers in the region and beyond.