About the Museum

In accordance with the resolution of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR dated August 15, 1972, the Museum of Archaeology was established within the structure of the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography. The museum welcomed its first visitors on August 30, 1973.

The institution was founded at the initiative of D.A. Kunaev, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, with the purpose of preserving, systematizing, and scientifically studying the archaeological heritage of the republic.

Prominent representatives of Kazakhstan’s archaeological scholarship — A.Kh. Margulan, A.N. Nusipbekov, G.F. Dakhshleiger, K.A. Akishev, Kh.A. Alpysbayev, M.K. Kadyrbayev, A.G. Maksimova, T.N. Senigova, K.M. Baipakov, B.N. Nurmukhanbetov, Z.S. Samashev, Zh.K. Kurmankulov and other scholars — made significant contributions to the formation of the museum and the development of its scientific orientation. The museum evolved not only as a repository of archaeological artifacts but also as a permanent scientific base for conducting fundamental research.

The organization and further development of the institution were greatly supported by collection custodians, restorers, and art historians — V.I. Sadomsky, N.I. Sinenskaya, T. Moldasbanova, R.A. Bektureeva, B.B. Kozhakhmetov, T.I. Kulik, Zh.T. Ramazanova, A. Gorbatov, K. Itenov, A.S. Yermolayeva and others.

Since that period, the Museum of Archaeology has become an important scientific center for archaeological research in the republic. Over many years of activity, it has played a leading role in training scientific personnel and in the systematic study of archaeological heritage.

The museum’s exhibition space guides visitors through the long and rich history of humanity on the territory of Kazakhstan — from the earliest prehistoric periods to the medieval civilization. The display case dedicated to the Stone Age presents stone tools, scrapers, and burins from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. These artifacts illustrate the daily life of ancient people, their struggle with nature, and the formation of early labor skills. Even simple stone tools evoke the origins of human civilization.

The Bronze Age section introduces the era of metallurgical development and significant social transformations. Bronze weapons, tools, ornaments, and ceramic vessels are exhibited here. The display clearly demonstrates the worldview and craftsmanship of people of that time.

The Early Iron Age section encompasses the remarkable heritage of the Saka culture. One of the most notable exhibits is the reconstructed costume of the “Golden Man.” The reconstruction of the burial chamber of kurgan No. 11 of the Berel burial ground and the model of the Berel horse provide deeper insight into the high cultural level, worldview, and traditions of ancient nomads.

The section dedicated to the medieval period presents the flourishing era of urban culture in Kazakhstan. The hall features models of the mausoleum of Aisha Bibi, the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and the mausoleum of Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu. These architectural monuments serve as vivid evidence of the spiritual and cultural development of the Kazakh land. The medieval section also displays ceramic artifacts, household items, and craft objects discovered in the cities of Otrar and Taraz, demonstrating that the cities along the Great Silk Road were important centers of international trade and cultural exchange.

The Museum of Archaeology is a unique specialized archaeological museum in the country, offering visitors not only historical knowledge but also a profound spiritual experience. Each exhibit conveys the voice of the past and reveals the life and culture of our ancestors. Visiting the museum is not merely viewing an exhibition — it is a journey into the deep history of Kazakhstan and an opportunity to feel one’s roots.

Contacts:

Zhusypnazar Magzhan Ibragimovich - Head of the Museum of Archaeology

Zhusypnazar@mail.ru       +7 707 796 70 51

Begzada Yermek - Research Associate

Bixan090522@mail.ru      +7 775 155 62 72

Burambaeva Dinara Dastanbekovna - Archaeological Museum Collection Keeper

Burambaevadinara776@gmail.com   +7 777 004 59 05