Nur Alem Expo 2017 Nur-Sultan
The Nur Alem, world's largest sphere, is an architectural marvel housing interactive science exhibits on future energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Nur Alem Expo 2017 Nur-Sultan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Nur Alem, world's largest sphere, is an architectural marvel housing interactive science exhibits on future energy.
"A one-of-a-kind monument, impressive from every angle, a remain from Astana 2017 expo."
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the interior is open for visits, as access has been inconsistent post-expo. :informationdeskperson:
Allow Ample Time
Dedicate several hours to explore all eight floors of exhibits at your own pace. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spherical Marvel
Exterior
Witness the world's largest spherical building, an iconic remnant of Expo 2017, impressive from every angle.
Future Energy Exhibits
Interior, all 8 floors
Explore interactive displays showcasing renewable energy sources and scientific concepts across multiple themed floors.
Panoramic City Views
Upper floors
Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Astana, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Transparent Floor Experience
Top floor
Dare to walk on the transparent glass floor for a thrilling, albeit slightly scary, experience with city views below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Nur Alem
Navigating the Sphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the interior is open for visits, as access has been inconsistent post-expo. :informationdeskperson:
Allow Ample Time
Dedicate several hours to explore all eight floors of exhibits at your own pace. :clock1:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Great place for kids! Interactive exhibits make learning about energy engaging for younger visitors. :child:
Budget-Friendly
Affordable ticket prices make it a great value for a unique cultural and educational experience. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the interior is open for visits, as access has been inconsistent post-expo. :informationdeskperson:
Allow Ample Time
Dedicate several hours to explore all eight floors of exhibits at your own pace. :clock1:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Great place for kids! Interactive exhibits make learning about energy engaging for younger visitors. :child:
Budget-Friendly
Affordable ticket prices make it a great value for a unique cultural and educational experience. :moneybag:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple levels, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nur Alem is widely praised for its unique and impressive spherical architecture, a lasting legacy of Expo 2017. Visitors enjoy the interactive science exhibits and panoramic city views, finding it a great value for its affordable ticket price. However, some note that certain displays are outdated or not functioning, and access to the interior has been inconsistent post-expo.
"Very special place with unique architecture. Pity it’s not possible to visit it inside for a long time. In March it was said would be open after May this year~ people can only walk around it~"
YJ SchH
"One of a kind monument
I think its the biggest sphere in the world.. a remain from astana 2017 expo. All around are universities campus.. and its impressive from every angle"
Aaron Rose
"Really cool building and shows different types of things. No real tour at least wasn’t offered when we purchased tickets. Was good for passing time and just viewing on your own. A little scary walking on the top floor from the transparent glass but cool experience"
Zaynab Ergasheva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nur Alem is located in Astana, Kazakhstan, and is easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with nearby attractions like the Bayterek Tower. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available for a direct route.
Yes, Nur Alem is situated near other significant landmarks in Astana, making it easy to plan a day of sightseeing.
Buses and taxis are common modes of transport. For a more scenic route, consider walking if your accommodation is nearby, especially during pleasant weather.
While specific parking details can vary, the area around the former Expo site generally has parking available, though it might be more limited on event days.
Absolutely! Using GPS navigation apps on your smartphone will provide precise directions to Nur Alem.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are very reasonably priced at around 1,500 Tenge, making it an affordable cultural experience.
It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially on weekdays, as the museum is not usually crowded.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the latest information before your visit, as the museum's operational status has changed since Expo 2017.
Weekdays, particularly in the mornings, tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits.
Yes, visitors can explore the museum independently. While tours might not always be offered, self-guided exploration is common.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nur Alem is a science museum spread across eight floors, featuring exhibits on various forms of energy, space, and scientific innovations.
Yes, it's considered a great place to visit with kids, offering engaging and interactive exhibits that make learning fun.
The museum is known for its interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with scientific concepts and energy technologies.
The top floor features a transparent glass section, offering a thrilling experience and panoramic views of Astana below.
Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the sphere offers stunning architectural shots, while the interior provides unique perspectives of the exhibits and city views from the upper levels.
Yes, visitors can typically take photos inside the museum, capturing the innovative exhibits and the grand spherical interior.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of the spherical interior, and a good smartphone camera can also capture great shots.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage indicating areas where photography might be restricted.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while the interior lighting is consistent. Evening views from the top can also be spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Allow plenty of time: Kids can get absorbed in the interactive displays, so don't rush the experience.
* Focus on interactive zones: Prioritize the floors with hands-on activities that cater to younger attention spans.
* Enjoy the views: The panoramic city views from the top are a great way to cap off the visit and give kids a sense of scale.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers:
* Utilize public transport: Astana has a decent public transport system that can get you to Nur Alem affordably.
* Pack snacks: While there might be concessions, bringing your own snacks can save money.
* Combine with free activities: Explore the surrounding areas on foot after your visit to see more of Astana without additional costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the vast, open spaces and the innovative exhibits provide dynamic subjects. Photography tips:
* Capture the exterior: Experiment with different angles and lighting to showcase the building's unique form.
* Interior shots: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the spherical interior and the exhibits.
* The transparent floor: This offers a dramatic perspective, but be mindful of reflections and other visitors.
* City views: The upper levels provide excellent vantage points for cityscape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Nur Alem
Originally conceived to showcase advancements in energy, the building's spherical form is symbolic of the planet and the interconnectedness of energy systems. Its construction was a significant engineering feat, and it continues to be a symbol of Kazakhstan's forward-thinking vision.
Even if access to the interior is limited, the exterior alone is worth admiring and photographing. Visitors often remark on its impressive presence from all angles, highlighting its status as a one-of-a-kind monument.
Exploring the 'Future Energy' Museum
You can expect to find displays covering everything from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to space exploration and the human body's energy systems. While many exhibits are designed to be educational and fun, some visitors have noted that certain displays may show signs of wear or be non-functional, reflecting the building's age since the Expo.
Allowing ample time is key to fully appreciating the breadth of information presented. The interactive nature of many exhibits makes it a captivating experience for all ages, encouraging hands-on learning and discovery.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
When you do visit, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring multiple levels, and allocate a good few hours to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits.
Remember that while the museum is a fantastic attraction, some exhibits might be showing their age.
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