The canvas for some of the city's most soulful art is, fascinatingly, a building that is a masterpiece in its own right. This is the former Kazpotrebsoyuz building, a magnificent example of Soviet Modernism designed in the 1970s by the architects V. Allayarov, N. Ripinsky, and A. Kapanov. Its powerful, rhythmic facade is a testament to the era's bold vision, featuring vertical sun-breakers that create a beautiful, shifting play of light and shadow, all capped with an impressive, decorative "crown."
And it is this monumental, thoughtfully designed canvas that now holds one of the city's most gentle and beloved images.
Here, a huge, black-and-white portrait of the musician Batyrkhan Shukenov has blossomed. From it, one of the most beloved and luminous artists whose voice became the soundtrack of an entire era for many, looks down and smiles warmly upon the bustling street.
The wall almost immediately became an unofficial memorial, a place of pilgrimage for those who grew up on his songs. You will almost always find fresh flowers laid at its base. It is a truly moving sight, where the warm, human memory of an artist has given a new soul to a monument of modernist design.
Panfilov 101
KZT
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Find your way with 72 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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Looking for an evening with live music in Almaty? Head to the Zhambyl Philharmonic for affordable, elegant concerts that feel like a real treat.
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If you need a quiet break in central Almaty, head to Nedelka Fountain near the Opera House — lush, calm, and perfect for a peaceful pause or stroll.
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Craving a hearty breakfast in Almaty? Stop by Voronka Café on Zheltoksan Street for tasty meals, warm atmosphere near parks and fountains.
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Whenever someone asks me where to go for breakfast in Almaty, Bon Bon is always at the top of my list. They also serve amazing pasta that keeps me coming back!
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72 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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