Chapman Taylor’s design for Almaty Museum of Arts unveiled in Kazakhstan

Chapman Taylor’s design for the new Almaty Museum of Arts, which will be one of the city’s major cultural focal points, has been unveiled to the public in Kazakhstan.

In addition to exhibiting major works of art from across the world, the museum will permanently house the diverse art collection of the project’s financer, Nurlan Smagulov. The design seeks to provide an appropriate, carefully lit and respectful environment in which to display important paintings and sculptures, so that visitors can immerse themselves in the artworks without distraction.

The project is located on a key city centre site at the intersection between the al-Farabi and Nazarbayev avenues. Together with the adjacent Ballet Theatre, which is close to completion, the museum will form the core of a cultural and artistic district in this important part of Almaty.

The museum will consist of two interlinked “L”-shaped buildings of dramatic projections and angles, symbolising the relationship between the city and the beautiful Trans-ili-Alatau mountains. The contemporary architectural design creates a strong, yet contextually appropriate, sculptural landmark on one of the most prominent strategic sites in the centre of Almaty.

At more than 10,000m² in area, the museum will include 1,000m² of permanent exhibition space, 1,000m² of world-class facilities for temporary exhibitions, artists’ rooms (dedicated to the works of specific artists), a restaurant/café space, an auditorium, a library and a gift shop. An “Art Street” will extend through the museum, linking the various spaces and opening the facility to its surroundings, visually integrating the interior and exterior spaces.

The public outdoor spaces will be vibrant and act as an extension of the museum, offering a place to socialise and relax as well as a space for exhibitions, activities and street art. Four stepped plazas will use the natural change in levels of the site to create a varied series of dynamic spaces.

Building permission is currently being sought for this key cultural venue, with the aim of beginning construction in late 2021.

The project is located on a key city centre site at the intersection between the al-Farabi and Nazarbayev avenues. Together with the adjacent Ballet Theatre, which is close to completion, the museum will form the core of a cultural and artistic district in this important part of Almaty.

The museum will consist of two interlinked “L”-shaped buildings of dramatic projections and angles, symbolising the relationship between the city and the beautiful Trans-ili-Alatau mountains. The contemporary architectural design creates a strong, yet contextually appropriate, sculptural landmark on one of the most prominent strategic sites in the centre of Almaty.

At more than 10,000m² in area, the museum will include 1,000m² of permanent exhibition space, 1,000m² of world-class facilities for temporary exhibitions, artists’ rooms (dedicated to the works of specific artists), a restaurant/café space, an auditorium, a library and a gift shop. An “Art Street” will extend through the museum, linking the various spaces and opening the facility to its surroundings, visually integrating the interior and exterior spaces.

The public outdoor spaces will be vibrant and act as an extension of the museum, offering a place to socialise and relax as well as a space for exhibitions, activities and street art. Four stepped plazas will use the natural change in levels of the site to create a varied series of dynamic spaces.

Building permission is currently being sought for this key cultural venue, with the aim of beginning construction in late 2021.

The 10,000m² building contains the facilities for permanent galleries, temporary exhibitions, featured artists’ rooms, a library and visible art storage and conservation laboratories. 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.