State Museum of History of Uzbekistan is one of oldest museums in Central Asia and Tashkent. It is located in Buyuk Turon street (former Sharaf Rashidov avenue).
Museum occupies square building with white facade. The building was constructed in the second half of the 20th century, but its history starts from 1876. At this time, the Russian scientists opened People’s Museum of Turkestan.
The museum filled its exhibits very fast and travelled to international exhibitions in Europe. The museums in Samarkand (1896) and Ferghana (1899) were also created with its efforts. Its name was changed several times. In 1919, it became the State Museum of Turkestan, later – Main Central Asian Museum.
Exhibits and valuables
The museum stores over 250,000 exhibits. It presents information on development of local people and tribes from the Stone Age to the present Uzbekistan.
The museum possesses rare valuables and relicts. For example, a large bronze cauldron of Sak was made in the 4 – 5th century of BC. It is decorated with animal figures. A statue of Buddha, found by archaeologists in Surkhandarya region, belongs to the 1st century of AD. Pitchers and vases from precious and semi-precious metals adorned with the finest carvings.
Here you can see ancient ceramic products and fabrics. In opinion of historians and numismatists, old coins, historical documents and manuscripts, works of art at the museum are truly unique.
The exhibits also testify about development of the state during Timurids epoch and demonstrate scientific achievements. They tell about development of poetry, as well as the formation of a unique style in the eastern architecture and crafts.
