A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, Almaty

The A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts in Almaty is a significant institution in Kazakh culture and art, being the largest art museum in the country. It was established on September 16, 1976, by merging collections from the Shevchenko Kazakh State Gallery, founded in 1935, and the Republic Museum of Decorative and Applied Art, established in 1970. This merger aimed to preserve and showcase Kazakhstan's diverse artistic heritage.

In 1984, the museum was renamed after Abilkhan Kasteev, a renowned Kazakh artist (1904–1973), in recognition of his contributions to Kazakh painting. The museum now houses over 23,000 works spanning historic and contemporary Kazakh art, including Soviet-era pieces from the 1920s to the 1990s, reflecting the socio-political and cultural landscapes of the time.

The museum also features Russian artworks from the 17th to early 20th centuries, Western European art from the 16th to 20th centuries, and East Asian art from China, India, Japan, and Korea, showcasing global cultural connections.

A highlight of the museum is its extensive collection of Kazakh paintings and sculptures, including works by notable artists such as Isaac Itkind, N. Nurmukhammedov, and M. Kim. These pieces demonstrate the depth and diversity of Kazakh artistic talent.

Throughout its history, the museum has organized significant exhibitions and played a crucial role in collecting, preserving, studying, and promoting Kazakh art. Its modern building, designed by G. Novikov, was recognized as a historical and cultural monument in 1982.

Today, the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts is a symbol of cultural pride and a must-visit for those interested in Kazakh and international art, reflecting the nation's spirit and evolution through its artistic expressions.