A New Landmark for Central Asian Contemporary Art
Almaty Museum of Arts founded by collector and philanthropist Nurlan Smagulov is the first museum of its kind in Kazakhstan.
About Us
Almaty Museum of Arts promises a dynamic program of exhibitions, commissions, and publications that will introduce international artists to Kazakhstan audiences, while also providing a platform to showcase, research and learn about Central Asian art. It will offer a range of educational programs for both children and adults, also engaging the general public and the artistic community alike.
At the core of the museum is Smagulov's personal collection. Accumulated over the past three decades, it features over 700 works of modern Kazakh art—one of the largest private collections of its kind. Smagulov conceived the idea of opening the museum in the autumn of 2020, with construction beginning in 2022. The museum will continue to expand its collection, focusing on contemporary art from Kazakhstan, Central Asia, neighbouring regions, and beyond, embracing a diverse range of media, genres, and perspectives.
Nurlan Smagulov is a prominent Kazakh entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of the Almaty Museum of Arts. He is the President and founder of Astana Group, a holding company with divisions including Astana Motors, MEGA Center, and MyCar.
Smagulov’s dedication to cultural and social progress is evident in his extensive philanthropic work and the founding of Nurlan Smagulov Foundation in 2020, which actively supports educational and social initiatives across the country.
The founding of the Almaty Museum of Arts marks a significant cultural milestone. Through the creation of the museum, Smagulov aspires to leave a lasting cultural legacy, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Central Asia and fostering a dialogue between regional and international art scenes.
Museum Founder
The Almaty Museum of Arts is committed to building a solid research foundation, advancing its mission as an educational and cultural leader in Central Asia, fostering a space where discourse on the region is both created and reexamined. Research underpins the museum’s exhibitions, educational programmes, public engagement and outreach efforts, guided by its staff and external collaborators.
The museum’s curators and researchers likewise contribute to international conferences and publications, sharing insights on Central Asian art and museum practices with wider audiences. To stay informed about upcoming presentations and publications, please visit our news page or subscribe to our newsletter.
Research at the Almaty Museum of Arts
Services
The museum provides a wide range of additional services {TEXT}
In our image database, you will find photos of the museum and exhibition displays. These images are available for free use in editorial content, provided you include the correct copyright. Please note that these images are not permitted for commercial use. For access to these images, or for any other inquiries, please contact our Image Licensing Department. More details
he Almaty Museum of Arts offers a range of unique interior and exterior locations for filming and photography. Whether you are planning a film shoot, TV production, or photo session, our spaces provide a stunning backdrop for your project.
All photoshoots and filming sessions must be pre-authorised and coordinated with our Filming Manager. More detailsThe Almaty Museum of Arts offers a unique and immersive event experience, combining breathtaking interior spaces, exquisite cuisine from one of Almaty's top restaurateurs, and exclusive access to world-class art and cultural programming. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale corporate event, our experienced events team is equipped to cater to your needs. More details
Please note: Almaty Museum of Arts does not host birthday parties or weddings.Our guided tours are led by expert guides and offer an in-depth exploration of both the artworks on display and the stunning architecture of the Almaty Museum of Arts. Tours typically last 60-90 minutes and can be tailored to accommodate different dates and group sizes. More details
We are committed to supporting students with learning challenges, offering them opportunities for self-expression through various verbal and nonverbal communication methods. More details
Support the museum
Câinele articolelor frumoase locuia în casa preotului. Preotul își iubea câinele, dar l-a ucis fără milă când fiul câinelui a mâncat o bucată de carne copioasă.
Arystan Ergazinov
Press manager
Public annual financial reports.
Annual reports
Additional description:
Maxwell Museum of Art
123 Art Museum Drive
Portland, OR 97205
www. maxwellmuseum. org
See also
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11:00-20:00
A history in acts and gestures: Performance, Central Asia and the Caucasus — Almaty Museum of Arts and Tate Modern presented a joint programme
This collaboration marks the museum’s first step on the international stage and underscores its commitment to dialogue and knowledge exchange between Central Asia and the world.
10/10/25
Baqyt Bubikanova’s Installation Miracle at the Almaty Museum of Arts
The installation Miracle became the artist’s final completed work, created shortly before her passing at the age of 38. The installation will be presented in Art Street at the Almaty Museum of Arts beginning on November 25, 2025.
11/25/25
Documentary film "Museum at the Crossroads"
The film tells the story of how the Almaty Museum of Arts was created: from the idea and intuition of its founders (entrepreneur, patron, and collector Nurlan Smagulov and his wife Madina Smagulova) to the realization of a unique space on the cultural map of the world.
1/15/26
Jaume Plensa’s Sculpture Unveiled in Almaty
A New Point of Silence in the City Landscape
