Oldest cultural and educational complex of the city and the main forge of young talents -
Makhambet Utemisov Palace of Schoolchildren is a unique architectural and spiritual site in the city of Astana. The building, which has a rich history, strikes with its beauty and grandeur: its classic Soviet monumental style with an area of 10,000 square meters attracts the attention of every passerby at the intersection of the old center near the majestic Monument to Khan Kenesary.
The construction of this unique center, opened on March 1, 1988, as the Palace of Pioneers, was carried out with state support, becoming a vivid confirmation of care for developing the potential of the younger generation in the republic, which is emphasized by its location near the famous Astana Arbat.
This complex serves as the main methodical and creative core of the city's additional education system, coordinating all extracurricular work. Through the functioning of such a legendary institution, an example of openness and respect for cultural traditions is demonstrated.
The light facades of the complex perfectly complement the historical appearance of the district. The building is located near the spacious Central Park, and its windows offer a view of the futuristic Atyrau pedestrian bridge, which can be used to cross to the left bank of the Esil River. At this point of the right bank, two different eras intertwine harmoniously.
The building occupies a central place in the cultural landscape, being located in a convenient transport and pedestrian corridor near the picturesque Ataturk Park and the philosophical Zher-Ana monument. Historical heritage is carefully preserved here. The administration connects the educational center with the main walking zones. It naturally neighbors the nearby recreational spaces of the embankment of the Ishim River, where every child can find their guiding star.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit -
Makhambet Utemisov Palace of Schoolchildren is located at the address: 1 Azerbaijan Mambetov Street, (formerly 1 Bukeikhan Street), right bank of the Esil River, Saryarka district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'42"N 71°25'21"E
Transport accessibility of the site is ideal. The following buses follow to the nearest stop "Y. Rakhmadiyev Philharmonia": No. 1, 9, 17, 23, 25, 31, 32. Also, routes No. 2, 3, 10, 20, 27, 37, 52 run in this direction to the stop "Zhanibek Tarkhan".
For motorists, free parking zones are provided along Azerbaijan Mambetov Street and the adjacent Saryarka Avenue.
Also, to reach the Palace of Schoolchildren, you can use taxi services through a special mobile application.
Operating mode: daily from 09:00 to 20:00, lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00.
The administration and admissions committee work on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00 (Saturday and Sunday are days off for administrative staff).
Contacts: reception +7 7172 32 49 89, 32 49 26, 32 49 28; accounting +7 7172 32 49 91.
Entrance to the territory is free, and familiarity with the history and architecture of the complex is free of charge, provided order is maintained.
www.dvorets.edu.kz
---------------------------------------------
History
The history of the creation of the Palace of Schoolchildren began on March 1, 1988, when the Palace of Pioneers opened in Tselinograd. For a provincial city, this became a grandiose event that gave children true freedom of choice. In the early 1990s, about 20 different associations and 40 clubs operated here, including biogeographical, stenographic, "Young Astronomer", and "Young Parachutist". With the acquisition of capital status, the importance of the complex increased, international cooperation began, and in 2003 the Palace was named after the great son of the Kazakh people, valiant warrior, poet, and akyn Makhambet Utemisov.
Over the decades of work, the teachers of the Palace have raised thousands of talents who brought fame to Kazakhstan in the world community. Having abandoned the weight of uniform mandatory requirements, the masters conduct classes according to unique author's programs. Over the last five years alone, the pupils of the complex became winners of republican competitions and contests 846 times, and also achieved triumphal victories at the international level 715 times. Today, this center is proud of a living success story that continues to open the way to friendship and creativity for the younger generation.
Information
The Makhambet Utemisov Palace of Schoolchildren is a multifunctional educational space with a total area of 10,000 sq.m. In the structure of the complex, ideal conditions are created for the intellectual, aesthetic, and physical growth of every child. A wide choice of directions is available to pupils: various types of choreography, circus and theater studios, vocal lessons, playing the dombra, fine and applied arts. The sports block includes sections for karate, basketball, volleyball, tennis, as well as classes in its own swimming pool.
For intellectual development, linguistic courses, design clubs, and the famous chess club are open. The high results of the pupils are confirmed by numerous awards from prestigious festivals. The professional teaching staff ensures an individual approach to the personality of each child, helping them taste their first victories and find their guiding star.
The complex is fully equipped with modern materials, tools, and sports equipment to conduct a complete educational process.
Detailed description of the object
The creative infrastructure of the Palace includes specialized zones and halls:
• Children's creativity hall – spacious bright rooms for rehearsals of vocal and choreographic groups, where stage mastery is born.
• Sports core – a complex including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and multifunctional halls for basketball and volleyball.
• Theater and circus block – specialized classes with the necessary equipment for training young acrobats, jugglers, and actors.
• Applied art studio – workshops where children study the secrets of Kazakh national crafts, graphics, painting, and modern design.
• Administrative wing – offices of the management, reception, and accounting, ensuring clear coordination of all extracurricular work in the city.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the Palace of Schoolchildren represents a classic example of Soviet civil monumentalism of the late 1980s. The main facade of the building is designed with strict lines, large window openings, and a main entrance that emphasizes the public status of the object. The internal layout is made according to a spacious scheme of atriums, which allows for the distribution of the flows of thousands of attending children.
The city received a reliable, durable structure made of granite and concrete, which fits harmoniously into the panorama of the right bank, neighboring quiet squares and the embankment of the Esil River.
Legend
An old legend about the "Guiding Star" lives among teachers and pupils: they say that on the opening day of the Palace in March 1988, an invisible spark of inspiration lit up over its roof, and every child who sincerely seeks their talent within these walls will definitely find their true calling.
Another legend is connected with the name of Makhambet Utemisov: they believe that the spirit of courage and honor of the great akyn helps young dombra players and poets find a strong creative voice, granting them confidence on stage and victories in the most difficult international competitions.
Conclusion
The Makhambet Utemisov Palace of Schoolchildren is a bridge between the glorious past of Tselinograd and the innovative future of Kazakhstan. A visit to this memorial center of creativity allows one to feel the spirit of continuity and care that surrounds the younger generation.
Thanks to its location near the Monument to Khan Kenesary, the Astana Arbat, and the Central Park, the Palace remains the main landmark for family and cultural leisure on the right bank. Tourist routes invite everyone to come here to be inspired by the energy of youth and creation.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin;
• Mansion of Vasily Kubrin;
• Maxim Gorky Russian Drama Theatre;
• City Square;
• Republic Avenue.
Photogallery:
