Shabyt Palace of Creativity -
Kazakh National University of Arts (KazNUA) – is a leading multi-profile educational institution of the city of Astana, combining all stages of creative education: from school and college to doctoral studies.
Located in the iconic "Shabyt" building (translated as "Inspiration"), next to Independence Square, the university has become a home for musicians, artists, actors, and filmmakers. Here, academic traditions of classical art intertwine with innovative approaches, shaping a new cultural code of the country. In the immediate vicinity of the palace is located the beautiful Presidential Park, which features a popular panoramic observation deck offering a gorgeous view of the capital.
The university building is one of the boldest architectural dominants of the capital, personifying a "crater" where creative ideas bubble up. KazNUA is not just a university, but an authoritative model of continuous education recognized internationally and a member of the Association of European Conservatories. Next to the building rises the "Kazakh Eli" (Kazakh People) Monument, which makes the place very popular.
Within its walls, specialists are trained who provide cultural infrastructure not only for Astana but for the entire republic, representing Kazakhstan on the best stages of the world. After looking at the unusual architecture of the building, you can visit the Independence Palace of Kazakhstan.
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How to get there and visit -
KazNUA (Shabyt Palace of Creativity) is located at 41/1 Zhenis Avenue, Saryarka District, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°07'22"N 71°28'22"E
Getting to KazNUA is easy – there are buses. You might find the following routes useful: 21, 29A, 43, 3, 802, 14, 32, 50, 29. It's best to use your own car or take a taxi by pre-booking it using a special mobile app.
Contacts: +7 7172 47 20 40; +7 7172 47 20 18; +7 707 560 16 58
Official University Website
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History
The university's history began on March 31, 1998, when, at the initiative of the country's leadership, the Kazakh National Academy of Music was founded under the direction of the outstanding violinist Aiman Musakhajayeva.
The institution's main goal was to create a musical infrastructure for the new capital. In 2009, the academy received the status of a university of the arts, significantly expanding its range of specializations: from theater and painting to directing and art history.
In 2010, the university moved to the Shabyt building, designed by architects Sh. Mataibekov and E. Kydyrov. A major milestone in its modern history was the January 2025 decision to name the university after the legendary opera singer Kulyash Baiseitova. During a large-scale reconstruction in 2025, KazNUA's floor area increased to 38,000 square meters, allowing for the creation of state-of-the-art rehearsal studios and a new 1,100-seat concert hall that meets the highest international standards.
Information
KazNUA is the only university in the region implementing the "school-college-university" model. The university comprises six faculties: Music; Theater, Film, and TV; Traditional Music; Choreography; Fine Arts; and Social Sciences and Humanities.
The university's students have won over 500 international competitions. The university is proud of its graduates, including the world-renowned singer and composer Dimash Kudaibergen.
The technical facilities include filming pavilions, photo studios, ballet classes, and an art history research institute. The university actively develops international ties, having signed memorandums with leading global conservatories. Every year, the university organizes the international "Shabyt" competition, which transforms Astana into a hub for youth creativity and a meeting place for talents from dozens of countries.
Detailed description of the facility
The interior space of "Shabyt" is striking in its functionality. The building has a variable number of floors (up to 7), with an oval hall in the center, surrounded by classrooms and workshops. The sloping glass frames of the façade allow an abundance of natural light, critical for artists and sculptors.
During the summer holidays, the university transforms into an open-air venue for lectures, exhibitions, and symphony concerts, accessible to all city residents.
Particular attention is paid to preserving national heritage: the university trains master dombra and kobyz players. The infrastructure is complemented by modern gyms, a library with a rare collection of sheet music, and creative collaborations among designers and architects.
Their location in the capital's cultural cluster allows students to constantly be at the center of the country's major events, participating in state receptions and large-scale city shows.
Architecture
The architectural style of the Shabyt building is often described as futuristic. The structure, shaped like a diagonally cut cone, is made of blue glass and metal. This shape was chosen deliberately: it symbolizes the creative energy gushing from the depths of the earth. The sloping walls and unusual geometry make the building one of the most recognizable in Astana. The interior design and acoustic panels of the halls are adapted to the specifics of various arts, creating a harmonious space for study and creativity.
Legend
The KazNUA building is affectionately known as the "flying saucer" or "talent bowl." Legend has it that the unusual cone shape acts as a giant resonator: if you stand in the center of the main atrium for a long time and whisper your deepest creative dream, it will surely come true and bring you worldwide fame.
It is said that it is here that "inspiration" takes physical form, helping young geniuses find their path.
The University of Arts remains a place where modern myths are born, and each graduate takes with them a piece of the magical energy that bubbles in the crater of "Shabyt." It is not just an educational institution, but a symbol of talent's eternal striving for light and recognition.
Interesting sights nearby:
• National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation;
• Hazrat Sultan Mosque;
• Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Music and Drama Theater;
• Park named after Bauyrzhan Momyshuly;
• Triathlon Park;
• Ak Orda (President's House).
Additional information:
• Where to go and what to see in Astana;
• Useful information about Astana.
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