Will the Literature Museum be closed? Official comment issued

Earlier, it was reported that writer Shukur Jabbor had issued an open appeal to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, asking him to preserve the activities of the Alisher Navoi State Literature Museum and pay attention to its fate. The Academy of Sciences has issued an official response to the appeal.

It was noted that the work being carried out at the museum is not aimed at suspending its activities, but at ensuring that rare manuscripts, archival materials and other exhibits are stored in safer and more modern conditions. These processes are being carried out as a temporary measure until the new museum building is commissioned.

In accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 234-F dated May 20, 2026, a new building for the Literature Museum is being constructed in New Tashkent, and valuable sources from the museum’s collection are being moved in stages in order to preserve them.

In particular, manuscripts and lithographic sources, as well as the archive fund of “Uzbekistan’s Writers and Poets,” have been placed at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan for temporary storage. Other museum exhibits are being temporarily moved to the Institute of Anthropology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.

According to official information, on June 9, 2026, 847 rare manuscripts were placed in special storage rooms at the Center of Islamic Civilization. In addition, 1,491 lithographic sources, photocopies in 439 folders, films and negatives in 145 folders, and an archive fund consisting of 1,416,512 documents underwent initial inventory.

Although the museum is currently temporarily closed to visitors and researchers, its employees are continuing their work. The inventory and documentation of exhibits are also being carried out consistently.

It was noted that all these processes are being implemented to improve the museum’s activities, strengthen its material and technical base, and ensure the reliable preservation of cultural heritage. Officials also asked the public to rely on official information rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.

It is worth noting that in his appeal, Shukur Jabbor said the museum was being moved out of its current building, that no new building had yet been allocated for it, and that some of its exhibits had temporarily been placed in the basement of the Center of Islamic Civilization.