State Museum of Arts Tashkent – A glance into the past
My friend Roman invited me for an enlightening arts journey. Roman is an aesthete; his historic insight inspired me to write about this spot.
Entering the inside of the museum you can sense the scent of the past. The first floor is a big hall. There are some national craft works, including a ganch (clay gypsum) decor. I highly recommend getting acquainted with this exposition as well.
It is quiet inside. Only Roman’s enthusiastic voice is audible, describing the historical exhibits. The beauty of this museum is the opportunity to explore the cultural history of modern Uzbekistan, starting from ancient periods. For example, the second floor represents different items from antiquity and before Islamic times, as well as the Islamic and pre-Russian Revolutions period. Those exhibits include ceramic goods, ornaments of Islamic architecture and samples of Central Asian handicraft. The section concludes with a beautiful exposition of 19th-century Uzbek paintings.
The museum has a rich collection of Nikolay Konstantinovich Romanov’s dynasty, who was sentenced to exile in old Tashkent. Visitors can witness the sublime paintings and sculptures, which in late 19th century decorated Romanov’s palace. It was impressive to see the European art of that period.
Having visited the museum I learned about Uzbekistan's history from a different angle. It was unusual to observe the wonderful symbiosis of Uzbek traditional art with the later intervention of European visual arts (Russian style). My friend Roman turned out to be an excellent guide, who voiced the background stories of silent art.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Tashkent
Kukoldosh Madrasah – 16th century Islamic education
"Kukoldosh Madrasah" in Tashkent is an Islamic 'university' that has existed since the 16th century. It looks and works just like it did back then!
By
Farkhod
Israilov
Chilonzor District – Walk or meditation?
The "Chilonzor District" in Tashkent is my home. It is a throwback to Soviet times, but it boils with life: you can find people from all over around here...
By
Umida
Boltaeva
Roni Pizza Napoletana – City's Coolest Pizza Place
They take pride in serving customers quickly, and their pizzas take no longer than 90 seconds to cook in their authentic wood-burning ovens.
By
Ryan
Ettenfield
Botanical Garden – Drink in the oxygen
Tashkent's "Botanical Garden" is my first choice for an easy escape from the urban landscape and dusty air. I leave the park refreshed & rejuvenated...
By
Malika
Baratova
Shastri Monument – Tribute to an Indian Statesman
Just behind the statue is a small green area, not quite large enough to be considered a park but big enough to draw all kinds of of people passing by.
By
Ryan
Ettenfield
Alay Bazaar Milliy Taomlar – National Food
Arrive there early to choose from beef, lamb, potato, or pumpkin-filled somsa. Uzbek-style samosas are eaten with a mildly spicy thin tomato sauce...
By
Ryan
Ettenfield
Hamid Olimjon Square – Masterpiece or Monstrosity?
Are these tired-looking blue-tiled buildings a relic of Soviet art and construction? Or an eyesore on the horizon of a fast-developing city?
By
Ryan
Ettenfield
Mar Mar-Plov Samsa na Ivlieva – Authentic lunch
Humble "Mar Mar-Plov Samsa na Ivlieva" in Tashkent is my choice for grabbing a quick lunch. Their samsas combine crispy dough and delicious fillings!
By
Umida
Boltaeva
Hotel Uzbekistan – Retrospective exhibit
"Hotel Uzbekistan" is a true blast from Tashkent's Soviet past. Just looking at it takes me back...
By
Umida
Boltaeva
Beanberry Coffee – Tashkent's Most Underrated Cafe
Whilst its competitors offer a one-size-fits-all flavour of coffee, Beanberry offers a variety. Brazil is my favourite for its tangy taste.
By
Ryan
Ettenfield
AKSU Restaurant – Diverse cuisine
"AKSU Restaurant" in Tashkent is run by famous Uzbek chef Bahriddin Chustiy. You can try food from all over the world here - I love discovering the menu!
By
Aziza
Israilova
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in Art & culture and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
