Memorial museums of Almaty -
Literary and Memorial Museum of Kazakhstan -
The State Literary and Memorial Museum Complex of Sabit Mukanov and Gabit Musrepov is one of the most significant cultural sites in Almaty on Tulebayev Street, dedicated to the life and work of two outstanding writers who played a huge role in the development of Kazakh literature of the 20th century. The museum preserves not only their personal belongings and manuscripts, but also the atmosphere of the time when works were created that inspired entire generations.
The museum is located in the house where Sabit Mukanov and Gabit Musrepov lived over the years – friends, colleagues and like-minded people whose names have forever entered the history of literature in Kazakhstan. The complex was opened in 1999 and became a joint memory center for two masters of the word. Its creation became an important event in the cultural life of the country, because both writers not only created, but also actively participated in public life, shaping the spiritual values of the people.
The museum's exposition includes two main parts – memorial rooms and literary halls. The memorial rooms have carefully recreated the personal offices of the writers: the tables at which they worked, antique inkwells, books, letters, photographs and household items. Everything here conveys the spirit of the era and the creative atmosphere that prevailed in their house.
History
The house where the museum is located today was built in the middle of the 20th century. Sabit Mukanov lived here from 1955 to 1973. After his death, the house was turned into a literary museum. Later, an exhibition dedicated to Gabit Musrepov, who also lived in this house, was added to it. This created a single museum complex that unites the memory of two great writers.
Sabit Mukanov (1900-1973) was a classic of Kazakh literature, poet, novelist, playwright, scientist and academician. One of the authors of the text of the first Anthem of the Kazakh SSR. His most famous works are the novels "Botagoz", "Syrdarya", "Shokan Ualikhanov" and the trilogy "School of Life", dedicated to the life of the Kazakh people in crucial historical epochs. His work is imbued with love for the people, respect for their traditions and the desire to show the inner strength of a person in a changing world.
Gabit Musrepov (1902-1985) was an outstanding writer, playwright, publicist and public figure. He made a huge contribution to the development of Kazakh drama and prose. His famous works include the novel "A Soldier from Kazakhstan", the novella "Ulpan is her name", the plays "Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu", "Akan seri – Aktokty". His work is distinguished by deep humanism, psychologies and a subtle understanding of the human soul.
Architecture and exposition
The museum building is a cozy two-story house of the Soviet period, the architecture of which combines elements of functional and homely style of the middle of the last century. The interior is decorated with great attention to detail: wooden furniture, antique table lamps, carpets, books and paintings create a sense of the presence of the owners.
The literary halls feature manuscripts, first editions of books, photographs, letters, awards, as well as rare documents related to the cultural and social activities of writers. Special attention is paid to their friendship – on the stands you can see pictures where both authors are depicted together, discussing the ideas of future works.
The museum's library houses an impressive collection of books used by writers. Among them are volumes of world classics, works on history and philosophy, as well as works by contemporaries. There are also old typewriters and personal items that helped them in their work.
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How to get there and visit -
The Literary and Memorial Museum Complex named after S. Mukanov and G. Musrepov is located in Almaty at 130 Tulebayeva Street (Musrepov Museum); 125 Tulebayeva Street (S. Mukanov Museum), Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'04"N 76°56'55"E (Mukanov Museum)
GPS coordinates: 43°15'05"N 76°56'54"E (Musrepov Museum)
It is most convenient to get to the museum by private car or taxi – it will take less time and will allow you to get directly to the entrance. If you prefer public transport, please note that there are no direct routes along Tulebayev Street to the museum, but you can get there with a short walk.
Here are the convenient options:
• By bus to Karasai Batyr Street:
The most convenient transfer point is Nazarbayev Avenue. There are buses running to it № 2, 3, 63, 79, 86, 118, 127. The museum is only about 400 meters away from the bus stop on Nazarbayev Avenue.
• By bus to Kabanbai Batyr street:
An alternative route is bus No. 112, following Kunaev Street. After getting off at the bus stop at Kabanbai Batyr Street, you will find yourself in a 4-5-minute leisurely walk from the museum complex.
• By metro:
The nearest metro station is Almaly. The museum can also be reached on foot or by land transport.
Tip: We recommend using mobile apps for building routes (such as 2GIS) to choose the best route based on current traffic and public transport schedules.
Working hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00 (Monday is not a working day)
Contacts: +7 727 272 59 12; +7 727 272 82 86
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Legend and significance
There is a touching legend associated with this house. It is said that in the evenings, when silence was already falling over Almaty, Sabit and Gabit often stayed up late into the night, discussing literature, plans and the fate of their native people. And it seems that even now, in the silence of the museum, sometimes you can feel the presence of those evenings – a slight rustle of pages, a barely noticeable flicker of light, as if the spirits of the writers continue their conversation.
Today, the Mukanov and Musrepov Museum complex is not just a repository of memory, but also a living cultural space. Literary evenings, creative meetings, exhibitions and excursions are held here. The museum inspires young writers and readers by helping them realize the importance of words and the power of culture.
Its history begins not with the date of its construction, but with the fate of two boys born in these harsh but beautiful lands. Sabit Mukanov (1900-1973) and Gabit Musrepov (1902-1985) are not just classics of Kazakh literature, they are titans who became the voice of their people in a crucial era. They were friends, fellow countrymen, and spiritual brothers who had gone through revolutions, wars, and the formation of a new country.
The complex, opened in 1978, was created not only as a museum, but as a monument to this "promised land" of Kazakh culture in order to preserve and pass on to descendants not just manuscripts, but the very soul of the people, embodied in the words of his great sons. This is a place of power for those who want to understand not only "what" Mukanov and Musrepov wrote, but also "why" they wrote it, breathing in the air of their homeland.
Therefore, this house has become a symbol of Kazakh literature, friendship and inspiration, reminding that the word can not only tell, but also unite generations.
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