Museum of Applied Arts Tashkent

The Museum of Applied Art in Uzbekistan showcases more than 7000 art pieces. These pieces are grouped into three categories and present the history of traditional Uzbek art. You can find exhibitions on silk making, musical instruments, jewelry, embroidery, and other similar crafts along with miniature and ceramic art from different periods. The walls of the museum, adorned with traditional tiles and Uzbek designs, add to the list of exhibits.

The museum is located in the former mansion of Imperial Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev who had a great appreciation for Uzbek art and architecture. He hired skilled artists from different Uzbek cities to build this mansion. The vibrant walls, the beautiful courtyard, the halls adorned with intricate designs, and the vividly painted ceilings in typical Tajik style have not changed much since the building’s construction. Many of the major exhibits in the museum belonged to Polovtsev’s personal collection. The museum was given the status of a state museum five decades after the first exhibition took place in 1927. While not all items can be displayed due to space constraints, a catalog has been created that introduces you to the nation's cultural heritage. Photography is allowed inside the museum without any extra charge. You can also opt for the web-based audio guide to get a detailed idea about the exhibits. There are two gift shops where you can purchase artworks such as paintings, fabrics, jewelry, and varnished miniatures crafted by modern Uzbek artists.