National Museum of Kazakhstan

Address: Tauelsizdik Ave 54, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: 10am- 6pm, Tuesday - Sunday (note: not open on Mondays)

Entrance cost: From 1000Tinge, depending on the exhibitions you want to see

You will find Astana to be a very quiet city, with not so many people walking the streets and very few tourists around… until you arrive at the National Museum of Kazakhstan.

In comparison to New York, London or Beijing, it is still a very quiet museum, but it will feel like there are a lot of people here in comparison to how many you have seen for the rest of your day.

This museum was opened in 2014, and consists of:

- Permanent historical exhibitions about Kazakhstan and Astana

- Hall of Gold 1 and 2

- A Modern Art Gallery

- Non-permanent exhibitions

As you arrive at the entrance hall, you will be greeted with a huge open space 4 stories high, with a giant gold eagle handing from the ceiling and a map of Kazakhstan on the left wall. To your left, below the map, is the Tourist Information desk where you can find a map of the museum. To your right is the ticket office, a small cafe and the gift shop.

During our visit on a Tuesday, the entrance to the main historical exhibitions was free, but we paid an extra 2000Tinge per person to see the Hall of Gold 1 and a non-permanent exhibition of the Terracotta Army, brought over from China.

You will scan your ticket and walk under the huge gold eagle, from here you can visit any exhibition but I would strongly suggest getting a map from the Tourist Information desk because the layout of this museum is not simple.

The historical exhibitions explore and discuss Kazakhstan’s rich history, the many peoples who make up the countries population and the information about life as a nomad. There is also the Astana Hall, which specifically concentrates on Astana City’s history.

The Hall of Gold 1 starts with a room full of brightly coloured lights that dance and change shape and colour, which is quite mesmerising. Then you will walk into an exhibition about Kazakhstan’s history of gold making. You can ask at the entrance to a audio guide to lead you through the information. The Hall of Gold 2 was closed.

The non-permanent Terracotta Army exhibition was very interesting for us as we never saw the Terracotta Army while in China. With real statues and artefacts shipped over from China, this exhibition feels like you are transported to another world. There is a lot of information about the history and facts behind how the army was built and why, as well as information on where to see the Army in China.

The Modern Art Museum on the top floor of the building is interesting if you are into Modern Art… otherwise there is very little explanation about the artwork itself, which can make it a bit of a confusing experience.

Finally, there are ‘shows’ in the main entrance hall and Astana Hall.. But I’ll let you experience those yourself!