Main innovation hub for the development of new generation talents -
Al-Farabi Palace of Schoolchildren, located on the right bank, is the largest after-school educational center in Kazakhstan. This unique structure in the city of Astana was erected in 2011 by direct order of the country's leadership and became a true gift for the young residents of the metropolis.
People often call it the "new" one to avoid confusion with the "old" M. Utemisov Palace. The building bears the name of the great scientist, philosopher, and mathematician of the East, symbolizing the continuity of knowledge and the pursuit of scientific heights.
The building occupies a strategic position in the actively developing district of the right bank. In close proximity to the educational buildings are the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (Pyramid) and the majestic Hazrat Sultan Mosque. Very close by lies Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Park, and the Kazakh Eli monument also rises nearby, allowing schoolchildren and their parents to combine the educational process with walks through the sacred center where the capital Astana is located.
The architectural complex of the palace, with a total area of more than 61 thousand square meters, includes over 800 different rooms and spaces. Very close by are the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Shabyt National University of Arts, creating a powerful intellectual and cultural cluster around this location.
The capital Astana invested the idea of harmonious personality development into this four-story monolith, where modern glass facades and national Kazakh ornaments intertwine in a single space of inspiration.
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How to get there and visit -
Al-Farabi Palace of Schoolchildren is located at the address: 51 Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Avenue, right bank of the Esil River, Almaty district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°08'14"N 71°27'48"E
The transport accessibility of the palace is ideal. Buses arrive at the "Palace of Schoolchildren" stop in the following order: No. 61, 56, 51, 47, 40, 30, 15A, 15, 3, and 2.
For parents bringing children in private cars, a free surface parking lot is provided from the side of Momyshuly Avenue.
Inside the building, there is a coffee shop where you can wait for your child or have a snack.
Operating mode: the palace is open daily from 09:00 to 20:00.
Entrance to the territory for viewing is free; however, enrollment in clubs and sections is carried out according to the curriculum.
Every year, almost 12 thousand children study here under the guidance of more than 170 additional education teachers.
Contacts: +7 7172 97 84 01 (reception); +7 7172 97 84 00 (Qosymsha portal department); +7 7172 97 82 70 (administration)
https://afos.edu.kz/
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History
The construction of this monumental center began during a period of rapid growth of the right-bank part of the city, which in Soviet times was considered the outskirts. The project was implemented in record time and solemnly opened in December 2011. The palace became a logical continuation of the concept of developing educational infrastructure, where the emphasis is placed on the versatility of talents – from sports to high technologies.
Since its opening, the capital Astana has used the palace as the main pedagogical system for educating youth. In 2018–2019, the coverage of children in sections reached record figures, confirming the demand for such a large-scale project. The name of Al-Farabi was given to the palace for a reason – it emphasizes the importance of fundamental science and philosophy in shaping a new generation of the country's leaders.
Information
The technical equipment of the "Palace of Schoolchildren" is staggering: the building area is 18,715 sq.m. The building is designed as an open educational system, including 125 types of clubs and sections. Not only educational rooms are located here, but also full-fledged world-class sports facilities.
Inside the palace, there is an ice rink, a swimming pool, martial arts halls, a tennis court, and numerous sports grounds. The four floors of the building are distributed by activity directions, ensuring comfortable movement between sections. The capital Astana has created a unique "city within a city" here, where monolithic walls hide innovative laboratories and creative workshops capable of receiving thousands of children daily.
Detailed description of the object
The interior and equipment of the palace are thought out to stimulate imagination and the desire for sports:
• Sports block – includes an ice arena, a swimming pool, and specialized halls for wrestling and tennis, allowing for the training of future champions.
• Sections and clubs – over 120 directions covering science, art, and crafts, where children find a hobby to their liking.
• Innovation zones – more than 800 rooms equipped with modern hardware for project and research activities.
• Creative workshops – platforms for music, dancing, and applied arts under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• Coworking and coffee shop – relaxation areas for parents and children, promoting informal communication and exchange of ideas during breaks between classes.
Architecture
The architectural style of the palace is bright high-tech with deep national subtext. The main facade is made of glass, where images of yurt kerege (lattice walls) and traditional ornaments are clearly visible. This creates the effect of a floating structure, which looks especially impressive at night thanks to the lighting. The circular shape of the building and the use of modern monolithic technologies make it stable and visually light. The capital Astana received a building that fits perfectly into the landscape next to Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Park, creating a harmonious duo between the educational center and the Triathlon Park.
Legend
Among the palace students, there is a legend about the "Golden Ornament". They say that if, before an important competition or performance, you find a certain pattern on the glass facade symbolizing luck and touch it with your palm, victory will be ensured.
Another legend of the city of Astana is connected with the heritage of Al-Farabi himself: it is believed that encoded formulas of the great thinker are stored in the palace library, and the student who shows the greatest diligence in their studies will one day be able to see their hidden meaning in the reflection of the glass walls of the atrium.
Conclusion
Al-Farabi Palace of Schoolchildren is not just a building, it is a whole world of opportunities open to every child. Visiting this center allows you to see Astana as a city of the future, where the development of children's potential is a national priority. Thanks to its location in the cultural core of the capital, the palace remains a major landmark on the map.
The capital Astana invites guests to admire this futuristic monolith, behind the walls of which new talents are born every day and the first steps into a big life are taken.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Ak Orda;
• Embankment of the Esil River;
• Presidential Park;
• Observation deck in the Presidential Park;
• Zhetysu Park;
• Astana Shopping Mall.
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