Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan - Summer VDNH
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Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan

4.5
·1k reviews·Тоshkent, Uzbekistan

Discover Uzbekistan's rich artistic heritage in a stunning palace, showcasing exquisite embroidery, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan - Summer VDNH

Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Uzbekistan's rich artistic heritage in a stunning palace, showcasing exquisite embroidery, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A true diamond in the necklace of Tashkent's museums indeed! Oh, what a beautiful architecture, such impressive interiors, let alone exhibition."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 Utilize the Audio Guide

The QR code audio guide is excellent for detailed explanations. Worth taking your time with!

☕ Coffee Break Available

There's a nice coffee stop within the museum, perfect for a short break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palatial Architecture

Palatial Architecture

The Museum Building

Explore a stunning palace with traditional Uzbek architectural features, reminiscent of mosques and aristocratic homes.

Exquisite Traditional Art

Exquisite Traditional Art

Exhibition Halls

Marvel at over 7,000 examples of Uzbek folk art, including embroidery, jewelry, ceramics, and decorative glass.

The 'Mehmonkhona' Hall

The 'Mehmonkhona' Hall

Central Hall

Experience the grandeur of the traditional guest room, designed like a mosque with decorative mihrab and contemplative inscriptions.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Relaxed Visit

While the museum is a gem, it can get busy. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid larger groups. The audio guide is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the exhibits, so factor in extra time to utilize it fully.

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful of photography rules. One visitor reported issues with a staff member regarding photos, so it's wise to check current policies upon arrival to avoid any misunderstandings.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for a short visit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any museum you would recommend in Tashkent?

🎧 Utilize the Audio Guide

The QR code audio guide is excellent for detailed explanations. Worth taking your time with! Reddit

☕ Coffee Break Available

There's a nice coffee stop within the museum, perfect for a short break. Reddit

reddit.com

Coming to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

reddit.com

Itinerary feedback for a 8 day trip

📸 Check Photo Policy

Be aware of photography rules to avoid issues with staff. Reddit

⏳ Allow 30-40 Minutes

A good amount of time for a quick overview, longer if you use the audio guide. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎧 Utilize the Audio Guide

The QR code audio guide is excellent for detailed explanations. Worth taking your time with! Reddit

☕ Coffee Break Available

There's a nice coffee stop within the museum, perfect for a short break. Reddit

📸 Check Photo Policy

Be aware of photography rules to avoid issues with staff. Reddit

⏳ Allow 30-40 Minutes

A good amount of time for a quick overview, longer if you use the audio guide. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Museum of Applied Arts for its stunning palace architecture and impressive collection of traditional Uzbek crafts, calling it a 'true diamond.' The audio guide is highly recommended for its detailed explanations. However, some guests have noted issues with photography policies and found the museum to be a relatively short visit.

"The State Museum of Applied Art and Handicrafts History of Uzbekistan.

The State Museum of Applied Art and Handicrafts History of Uzbekistan provides an excellent introduction to Uzbek history and culture. Ιt displays more than 7,000 examples of traditional folk art. These include a range of mediums from decorative glass to porcelain and fabrics, all dating from the first half of the 19th century to the present.

The museum houses in a palace, with traditional architecture features, a layout and elements common to mosques and to late-19th century aristocratic households. The central hall is a traditional mehmonkhona, a word that roughly translates as “guest room”. Designed like a mosque, it is square-shaped with four columns and a mihrab. However, the palace’s mihrab only plays a decorative role here. The room truly awes its visitors and is a museum piece in and of itself.

The two contemplative inscriptions above the doors are written in Persian but with Arabic writing: “The world is like a caravanserai with two doors, they enter through one, and they leave through the other,” reads one; “And every day there are more and more new guests in this caravanserai,” says the other.
The museum provides an audio tour."

Lefteris Stamatelatos

"We had a city tour of Tashkent and the only museum we had in the program was this Museum of Applied Arts.
It’s a nice small museum for 30-40min which is enough for a day tour. It has much to do with Amir Timur history mainly about the production and dwelling. In terms of the country history I would prefer History museum. Anyway, it’s a nice place if you are short in time and in the area. They have good coffee stop."

Shukhrat Usmanov

"A true diamond in the necklace of Tashkent's museums indeed! Oh, what a beautiful architecture, such impressive interiors, let alone exhibition. Strongly recommended to visit while in Tashkent."

V K

What People Like

Beautiful palace architecture
Rich collection of crafts
Excellent audio guide

What People Dislike

Strict photo policy
Can be a short visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Tashkent. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing apps, which are readily available and affordable in the city. Public transport options like buses or the metro might also be feasible depending on your starting point, though taxis offer the most direct route. Reddit

While specific metro or bus stops might require a short walk, the museum is generally accessible via public transport. It's advisable to check local transit maps or use a navigation app for the most up-to-date routes. Reddit

If you're on a guided city tour, the museum is often included in the itinerary. Otherwise, a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient option for direct access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or inquire locally before your visit. Generally, museums in Tashkent operate during standard daytime hours. Reddit

Admission fees are typically modest. While specific prices can change, expect an affordable entry fee. It's recommended to confirm current ticket prices upon arrival or check their official channels. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for the Museum of Applied Arts, especially for individual visitors. You can typically purchase tickets at the museum's entrance. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter if you believe you might qualify for any concessions. Reddit

While general entry covers viewing the exhibits, there might be specific rules or fees for photography. One visitor encountered issues, so it's best to clarify the photography policy at the entrance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases over 7,000 pieces of traditional Uzbek folk art, including intricate embroidery, stunning jewelry, ceramics, and decorative glass from the 19th century to the present day. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a very useful audio guide accessible via a QR code. It provides detailed documentation and explanations of the exhibits, greatly enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

A visit can take around 30-40 minutes for a general overview. However, if you plan to thoroughly explore the exhibits using the audio guide, you might spend longer, potentially an hour or more. Reddit

The museum is housed in a beautiful palace featuring traditional Uzbek architecture, with elements common to mosques and late-19th-century aristocratic residences. The central hall, the 'mehmonkhona,' is particularly noteworthy. Reddit

Yes, there is a coffee stop available within the museum premises, offering a pleasant spot for a break. Restroom facilities are also typically available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can be strict. While some visitors may have taken photos, one account mentions issues with staff. It's best to confirm the current rules at the entrance to avoid any problems. Reddit

It's possible that certain sensitive exhibits or areas might have restrictions on photography. Always look for signage or ask museum staff if you are unsure about where you can and cannot take pictures. Reddit

Typically, general admission covers viewing, but specific fees for professional photography or extensive filming might apply. Clarify this at the ticket counter. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Applied Arts can be a good, albeit short, cultural stop for families. The palatial architecture might capture children's imagination, especially the central hall designed like a mosque. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns in the embroidery and jewelry could also be visually engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

However, it's important to manage expectations. The museum is best suited for families with children who have a developing interest in art and history. The audio guide can be helpful for older children to learn more, but younger ones might find it less engaging. Consider it a brief, enriching experience rather than a full-day activity. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Museum of Applied Arts offers a unique perspective on Uzbekistan's past, focusing on the material culture and daily life of its people. While it's not a comprehensive history museum, the collection of applied arts provides insights into the craftsmanship, aesthetics, and social structures of the 19th and 20th centuries. Reddit

The architectural context of the museum building itself is also historically significant, offering a glimpse into aristocratic living. The inscriptions within the palace add a literary and philosophical dimension. For a broader historical understanding, it's often recommended to pair this visit with the State History Museum if it's open. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel of the Museum

The Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan is not just a repository of art; it's a masterpiece of architecture itself. Housed within a former aristocratic residence, the building showcases traditional Uzbek architectural elements. You'll notice features reminiscent of mosques, such as the central hall designed as a 'mehmonkhona' (guest room), complete with columns and a decorative mihrab. The layout and ornate details reflect the grandeur of late-19th-century aristocratic households. Reddit

Pay close attention to the contemplative inscriptions above the doors, written in Persian script. These poetic verses add a layer of historical and philosophical depth to the visitor's experience, inviting reflection on the transient nature of life. The museum's structure is a significant part of its appeal, offering a glimpse into the past through its design and ambiance. Reddit

This architectural splendor makes the museum a destination in its own right, providing a beautiful backdrop for the exquisite artworks it contains. It’s a space that truly complements the cultural heritage on display, making the visit a multi-sensory experience. Reddit

Exploring Uzbek Applied Arts

The museum's collection is a vibrant testament to Uzbekistan's rich artistic heritage, featuring over 7,000 examples of traditional folk art. These pieces span a wide range of mediums and styles, offering a comprehensive overview of the country's craftsmanship from the first half of the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can expect to see intricate embroidery, dazzling jewelry, finely crafted ceramics, and decorative glassware. Reddit

The exhibition highlights the diversity of regional artistic traditions within Uzbekistan. Each item tells a story of cultural exchange, historical influences, and the enduring skill of Uzbek artisans. The museum effectively curates these pieces to provide context and appreciation for their cultural significance. Reddit

For an enhanced understanding, the audio guide is highly recommended. It provides detailed information about the history, techniques, and cultural importance of each artwork, making the visit both educational and engaging. Reddit

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