Construction progressing at speed on Chapman Taylor designed Almaty Museum of Arts
On September 25th, founder Nurlan Smagulov and Chapman Taylor Director Chris Lanksbury conducted a site tour for media on construction progress to date for the new Almaty Museum of Arts in Kazakhstan.
The new US$30m Almaty Museum of Arts will be one of the city’s major cultural focal points, with a further US$70m being invested in art objects and museum equipment.
The Chapman Taylor designed museum will exhibit the work of international contemporary artists and 20th century Central Asian art from the collection of Mr. Smagulov.
The project is located on a prominent city centre site at the intersection between Al-Farabi Avenue and Nazarbayev Avenue. A new Ballet Theatre is being constructed adjacent to the museum, which will create a new cultural quarter for the city.
The concept is derived from the relationship between the city and the mountains, seamlessly blending the two worlds. This fusion is embodied in the museum's design, where two interlocking forms collide to create a single structure. One, constructed from sturdy stone, pays homage to the enduring grandeur of the mountains, while the other, composed of sleek metal, reflects the energy and dynamism of the city. This unique juxtaposition of materials and forms results in a dynamic massing that forms a series of internal and external 'rooms,' each offering an ideal space to immerse oneself in and explore the extraordinary art collections that grace the museum's halls.
The 10,000m2 building contains facilities for permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, featured artists’ rooms, art workshops, and flexible theatre/performance space. The galleries are arranged around a central, enclosed art street which seamlessly extends out to a variety of exterior terraces, plazas, and parkscapes. These spaces are for public interaction and for urban art displays.
The Almaty Museum of Arts is poised to make a profound impact on the city, not only due to its symbolic cultural significance but also as a social hub and a must-visit destination. This institution will serve as a living canvas, eloquently expressing the rich tapestry of the past, the vitality of the present, and the boundless possibilities of the future. Its primary mission is to provide education and joy to all, nurturing the minds and spirits of both citizens and visitors alike. What sets this museum apart is its unique blend of Central Asian art with remarkable works from around the globe, creating a cultural tapestry that is truly remarkable. It is only fitting that such an endeavour be housed within a structure of great architectural significance, a building that will stand as a city landmark for generations to come.
Almaty Museum of Arts will open in September 2024.