Mirziyoyev lays foundation stone of Uzbekistan National museum

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Uzbekistan National Museum today, August 27, the presidential press service reported.

During the visit, the Head of State was briefed on the project, its features, and the stages of construction. The museum has been designed under the patronage of the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Art by Japan’s “Tadao Ando Architect & Associates” architectural bureau in cooperation with Germany’s “Atelier Brückner” company. Its exterior, shaped in circles, squares, and triangles, symbolizes the harmony of Eastern and Western cultures. The complex will include a three-story museum, a two-level basement, and auxiliary buildings. Construction will be carried out by China’s “CSCEC International Construction” company.

In the capital, a ceremony dedicated to the construction of the museum was held. On this occasion, representatives of culture and art, scholars and writers, elders, and members of the public gathered in the area near the Uzbekistan National Park.

“Alongside development in all spheres, we are making efforts to restore our values. We are constructing major complexes such as the Center of Islamic Civilization, the Imam Bukhari complex, and the Olympic town. The main purpose behind these projects is that they should remain as a legacy for our people. Now, we are launching another historic complex, the Uzbekistan National Museum. This museum will become a center of knowledge and culture that will present our three-thousand-year-old rich history to the people, the international community, and future generations,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

It was noted that at present, there are more than 30 museums in Tashkent holding over 1 million exhibits. Of these, 100,000 belong to the State Museum of Art, yet only 2,400 are on display. Due to insufficient exhibition halls, more than 97,000 items remain in storage.

“These unique works of art, which reflect the cultures of Central Asia, China, Japan, India, and European countries, are not only our priceless heritage but also the invaluable wealth of all humanity. Preserving them with great care, passing them on intact to future generations, and presenting them to the global community is our sacred duty, as it will highlight our country’s rich history and culture,” the President emphasized.

Such a magnificent museum is being built in Uzbekistan for the first time in history. Its total area will be 40,000 square meters. The exhibition halls, library, restoration laboratories, and storage facilities for exhibits will be equipped with the most modern amenities. This will allow historical artifacts, as well as ancient and contemporary works of art currently dispersed across various museums in the capital, to be displayed together in one place. In total, the museum will have the capacity to exhibit nearly 10,000 items at the same time.

In addition, an area of 4,000 square meters will include conference halls, auditoriums, restaurants, and children’s playgrounds. Once operational, the museum, together with the Abulqosim madrasah, the Palace of Friendship of peoples, and the Uzbekistan national park, will form a unified architectural ensemble. It is expected to become a thematic tourism destination for both citizens and foreign visitors. In the future, the museum will establish close cooperation with world-renowned institutions such as the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum, bringing in unique exhibits and organizing international exhibitions. 

“I am confident that the new complex will further highlight our country’s place in world history and development. It will serve our people not just for a year, or a decade, but for many generations to come,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.

After that, the Head of State placed a capsule in the foundation of the complex and launched the construction.