Jul 28, 2025

Ratushnogo, 100 Almaty

One man's art, a kids' paradise

"A city's most vibrant art is often found in the most unassuming of places. Discover a magical courtyard transformed by a resident, called Uncle Volodya!"

Forget the hushed halls of museums for a moment, for the city's most vibrant art is often found in the most unassuming of places—a simple residential courtyard, for example. One such place is a courtyard transformed by the hands of a resident, whom everyone lovingly calls Uncle Volodya. These are not mere decorations, I assure you; it is an entire wonderland sprung from the concrete—what I would call the "high art of courtyard architecture."

The moment you step inside, you are filled with admiration for the sheer scope of one man's imagination and his incredible diligence. Every sculpture, every whimsical structure, is made with such care and ingenuity that you can't help but smile.

But the true magic of this place is the life that fills it. The courtyard is always teeming with children, and their joyful shouts are the greatest prize for the artist. I watch with great affection as the children carefully and joyfully interact with these creations, playing amongst them as if in a fairytale kingdom, gifted to them by a kindly wizard.

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Art & culture

About this spot

Ратушного 100

KZT

free

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