When stone meets aluminium at Kazakhstan's new Almaty Museum of Arts, it's not just about stylish design, it's a game plan for how architects and builders can rethink cultural landmarks through innovative materials. Kazakhstan's vibrant cultural centre has just welcomed the newly opened Almaty Museum of Arts, a stunning venue aimed at showcasing modern and contemporary art on a grand scale.
The Almaty Museum of Arts, designed by the British firm Chapman Taylor, covers an impressive 10,060 square meters. It sits at the edge of the city, beautifully framing the Tian Shan mountains, which create a stunning backdrop that seamlessly connects urban life with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Nurlan Smagulov, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, has established the museum, which is set to open its doors on September 12, 2025. The new museum showcases over 700 works from his personal collection, which he has generously donated to the city. The museum is poised to become a significant part of Almaty's cultural landscape, serving as a vibrant centre for both international and Central Asian art.
Chapman Taylor's contrasting designs with aluminium
The architect's architectural vision for the Almaty Museum of Arts beautifully contrasts the sturdy Jura limestone walls with sleek, aluminium-clad 'L’-shaped wings that reflect the majestic surrounding peaks. At the heart of the design lies a bright, glazed corridor, fittingly called Art Street, which serves as a radiant spine that invites natural light into the spaces while offering breathtaking views of the Tian Shan mountains.
The museum's layout flows seamlessly, moving from spacious galleries to cosy areas like a versatile auditorium, creative studios and a cafe that offers a lovely view of gardens adorned with sculptures. The architect further highlights the design's openness, making the building feel like a community space that truly belongs to both the city and the art it showcases.
The team at Chapman Taylor stated, "We wanted the building to feel porous. It should belong to the city as much as to the art."
Inaugural exhibits
The opening program highlights the Almaty Museum of Arts' ambitious vision, kicking off with 'I Understand Everything,' a significant retrospective showcasing Almagul Menlibayeva's work over the past four decades, from her textile creations to innovative AI projects. Alongside this, 'Qonaqtar,' curated by Inga Lāce, taps into the museum's collection to explore themes of hospitality, migration and identity in Central Asia, using a variety of artistic forms.
The museum boasts a diverse collection that ranges from Soviet-era modernists like Toqbolat Togyzbayev to contemporary artists such as Saule Suleimenova and Said Atabekov. It also features international talents like Khadim Ali, Xu Zhen and Jadé Fadojutimi, all of whom help to place Kazakhstan's art scene in a broader global context.
Dedicated galleries for long-term installations provide audiences in Kazakhstan with a unique opportunity to experience iconic works by artists like Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, Yayoi Kusama and Bill Viola. A standout piece is Serra's impressive Junction (2011), which was moved with the late artist's consent. This installation envelops visitors in grand steel structures that challenge our perceptions of gravity and scale.
Also read: DECO Australia champions sustainable architecture with ASI-backed aluminium commitment
The museum is expanding its reach into the city with some exciting new outdoor sculptures. Alicja Kwade's Pre-Position, which pays homage to ancient astronomical tools, Jaume Plensa's impressive 12-meter NADES, providing a peaceful spot at a busy intersection and Yinka Shonibare's vibrant Wind Sculpture (TG) II, which beautifully captures the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
Kazakhstan has just opened the Almaty Museum of Arts, an impressive 10,060 sq m creation by Chapman Taylor that beautifully combines Jura limestone with aluminium, transforming the cultural landscape. With a generous donation of 700 works from entrepreneur Nurlan Smagulov, this museum is set to establish Almaty as a vibrant centre for both international and Central Asian art, where innovative design and aluminium craftsmanship come together seamlessly.
Note: To feature your brand and share insights, contribute an article or interview in our forthcoming e-magazine "End-user Revolution: ALuminium’s Impact on Modern Living"
Responses
