"Museum at the Crossroads", a documentary screening on the founding of the Almaty Museum of Arts
January 16, 2026
How was the Almaty Museum of Arts born?
Where did it all begin: with an idea, an intuition, or a personal decision? And how did this vision transform into a new landmark on the global cultural map, now visited by thousands?
Discover more
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“Museum at the Crossroads” is a documentary capturing the emergence of the Almaty Museum of Arts. It’s a story not only of the architectural concept and the construction of the museum in the heart of the metropolis but also of the formation of a collection based on the founders’ – Nurlan and Madina Smagulovs – private assembly of 20th century Kazakh art.
The film also explores the complex and often invisible journey of artworks–from conception and acquisition to multi-stage logistics and precise curatorial decisions. Featured in the film are works by Yayoi Kusama, Bill Viola, Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, Jaume Plensa, Yinka Shonibare and Alicja Kwade. This is a narrative about why it is vital for the museum to exist in this specific place; how space begins to interact with art; and why an encounter with art has the power to change our perception.
“Museum at the Crossroads” is the first of two documentary films dedicated to the museum and its collection. In the spring of 2026, a second film focusing on the Kazakhstani artists within the Smagulov collection will be released.
We invite you to a screening of the first film to see the museum from the inside, understand how it was created, and feel the moment a dream becomes reality.
The film screening is free of charge with a entrance ticket.
Weekday sessions:
17:15 (Kazakh subtitles) and 18:45 (English subtitles)
Weekend sessions:
11:15, 14:15, 17:15 (Kazakh subtitles)
12:45, 15:45, 18:45 (English subtitles)