Memorable Sites in Almaty
Houses of Famous Kazakh Figures
The Abylkhan Kasteyev House Museum is a unique memorial complex in Almaty dedicated to the life and work of one of the founders of the Kazakh school of fine art, Abylkhan Kasteyev (1904–1973). Unlike the Kasteyev State Museum of Art, which presents a broad panorama of world and Kazakh art, the house museum is the artist's personal space, preserving the atmosphere of his life, studio, and everyday life.
History and Significance
When and why was the museum opened?
The house in which the museum is located was built in the mid-20th century and served as Abylkhan Kasteyev's residence for many years. After the artist's death, the building was converted into a memorial museum to commemorate his contribution to the development of Kazakh art. The house-museum opened on January 17, 2014, in Almaty. The grand opening of the house-museum was organized to mark the 110th anniversary of the artist's birth.
The Role of the Artist's Daughter, Guldari Kasteeva
The renowned artist lived in this house from 1958 to 1973. The house-museum houses copies of the artist's famous paintings and graphic works, as well as photographs, documents, and personal items documenting his life and work. Abylkhan Kasteyev's studio, where he worked for many years, has also been reorganized with the addition of original exhibits.
Architecture and Atmosphere
What has been preserved in the interior?
The museum building itself is a cozy one-story house surrounded by a garden. The atmosphere here is as authentic as possible: furniture, interior details, and even the artist's studio where he created his paintings have been preserved.
What can you see in the exhibition?
A visit to this place allows you to literally touch history and feel the spirit of the times in which Abylkhan Kasteyev lived. The museum displays over a thousand exhibits related to Kasteyev's life and work. Visitors can see original paintings, sketches, graphic works, and the artist's household items. His works dedicated to the history and culture of Kazakhstan, landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes reflecting the life of the people, occupy a special place.
Cultural Significance
Who is the museum for?
The Abylkhan Kasteyev House-Museum in Almaty is not only a place of remembrance but also a center of cultural life. Tours, meetings, exhibitions, and educational programs are held here. For tourists, the museum is a must-see when exploring Almaty, as it helps them gain a deeper understanding of national art and the history of Kazakhstan.
The Museum's Main Mission and the Role of the Kasteyev Family
The primary mission of the A. Kasteyev House-Museum is to preserve, research, and promote the rich creative legacy of our outstanding artist. The artist's daughter, Guldaria Kasteeva, worked on the complete furnishing of the house-museum and the creation of its exhibition. The house-museum is undoubtedly an important cultural landmark in our southern region, allowing residents and visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the 20th century, as well as the artist's life and work. Delegations from several countries have visited the house, including many artists, students, and famous people.
How to get there and visit
The Abylkhan Kasteyev House-Museum is located at 6a Bekkhozhin Street, 300 meters from the Kazakhstan Hotel, next to the Malaya Almatinka River, Medeu District, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'50N 76°57'37E
The main bus stop is "Shevchenko" (on Dostyk Avenue).
Number of routes serve it:
Buses: 5, 5A, 5B, 29, 29R, 48, 65, 66, 120, 121, 141.
Trolleybuses: 11, 19, 25.
From this stop, it's about a 5-7-minute walk to the museum.
Open hours:
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Phone: +7 (727) 291-89-08
Attractions nearby:
• Palace of Schoolchildren;
• Almaty Terenkur;
• Kok-Tobe TV Tower;
• Park Kok-Tobe;
• Palace of the Republic;
• Hotel Kazakhstan;
Photogallery: