Almaty, January 15, 2026 – Almaty Museum of Arts is proud to announce the screening of the documentary film "Museum at the Crossroads" – the captivating story detailing the birth of one of Kazakhstan's most significant cultural projects.

The film chronicles the journey of creating the Almaty Museum of Arts: from the initial idea and vision of its founders (entrepreneur, philantropist, and collector Nurlan Smagulov and his wife Madina Smagulova) to the realization of a unique space on the global cultural map. Viewers will witness how a private collection of 20th-century Kazakh art became the foundation of a museum that now attracts thousands of visitors. The film was shot over a period of four years. It was directed by documentary filmmaker, journalist, and producer Andrei Loshak. Four years of work on the film allowed Andrei Loshak to capture the process of creating the museum from the inside, from the first decisions to the opening on September 12, 2025.

“This museum is not only the fulfillment of a long-held dream, but also a certain duty to society and the country. Traveling around the world and visiting major museums, I always thought that Almaty deserved such a space, such a place where art becomes accessible, where people meet, and where new conversations about culture are born," shared Nurlan Smagulov, founder of the Almaty Museum of Arts.

The film highlights not only the architectural concept and construction of the building at the intersection of Nazarbayev and Al-Farabi avenues, but also the complex, often invisible path of works of art: from the artist's idea and search to logistics, restoration, and curatorial decisions. The film shows the works of world-renowned masters Yayoi Kusama, Bill Viola, Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, Jaume Plensa, Yinka Shonibare, and Alicia Kwade in dialogue with Kazakhstani art.

Museum at the Crossroads is a reflection on why it is important for the museum to be here in Almaty, how space interacts with art, and how encountering art can change our perception of the world.

"We are delighted to share this story with a wide audience. The film offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the museum and shows how a personal passion for art can become a shared cultural treasure, opening Almaty up to global artistic dialogue," said Tatyana Khojaeva, director of the Almaty Museum of Arts.

The documentary has a runtime of one hour and will be screened in the Al-Farabi Hall (2nd floor) from January through March 2026. To ensure accessibility for our diverse audience, all screenings include either Kazakh or English subtitles.

Screening schedule:

- Weekdays 

5:15 PM – Kazakh subtitles

6:45 PM – English subtitles.

- Weekends 

11:15 AM, 2:15 PM, and 5:15 PM – Kazakh subtitles 

12:45 PM, 3:45 PM, and 6:45 PM – English subtitles.

Admission: Screenings are complimentary for all museum ticket holders.

Museum at the Crossroads marks the beginning of a two-part documentary series dedicated to the Almaty Museum of Arts and its landmark collection. Looking ahead, the second film is set to premiere in the Spring of 2026. This upcoming chapter will delve into the legacy of the 1960s Kazakh art movement—a "golden generation" of artists who defied conventions to forge a distinct national style during the Soviet era. We invite Almaty residents and international guests to join us for these screenings. Step behind the scenes to witness the birth of a world-class institution and experience the profound moment a visionary dream becomes a living reality.