A solemn ceremony dedicated to the construction of the new National Museum took place in the capital of Uzbekistan on August 27. This was reported by Upl.uz.
During the event, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the laying of the first stone. The project, with a construction cost exceeding 200 million dollars, will be built in the central area on four hectares and is planned to be the largest museum complex in the country's history.
In his speech, the head of state emphasized the necessity of creating a modern storage facility to preserve the national heritage. Currently, over one million exhibits are housed in 30 museums in the capital.
About 100,000 of these are kept in the Art Museum, but only 2,500 are displayed. Due to the lack of exhibition halls, the remaining exhibits are stored in storage facilities.
These collections represent invaluable heritage reflecting Central Asian cultural relations with China, Japan, India, and European countries. According to the President, the unique works of art belong not only to our nation but to all humanity.
Preserving, passing them on to future generations, and presenting them to the global community are integral parts of our national values. The design of the complex has been entrusted to the world-renowned Japanese architectural firm Tadao Ando Architect & Associates.
They are developing the museum design in collaboration with the German company Atelier Brückner. The construction work will be carried out by China's CSCEC International Construction Corporation.
The main principle in the museum's architecture is the harmony of square, triangular, and circular shapes, reflecting Tadao Ando's philosophy. The spaces between buildings are connected by passageways and staircases, allowing visitors not only to view the exhibits but also to experience the architecture itself.
The new museum plans to exhibit up to 10,000 items simultaneously within 8,500 square meters of exhibition space. However, the complex's functions go beyond those of a traditional museum.
Approximately 60 percent of the area will be allocated for educational and scientific activities. It will include a modern library, restoration laboratories, a special children's area, a 4,000-square-meter conference hall, and 6,000 square meters of storage facilities.
As the President noted, historical and cultural values, ancient and modern artworks are currently kept in various museums across the capital, but now they will be gathered in one place. The complex will form a harmonious architectural ensemble with the Abdulqosim Madrasa, the Palace of People's Friendship, and the Alisher Navoi National Park.
The project also holds great international significance. According to the President, not everyone visits the Louvre in France, the Metropolitan Museum in the USA, or the British Museum in the UK.
Therefore, cooperation is being established with them, and unique exhibits will be brought to Uzbekistan and exhibitions organized. In an interview with "Uzbekistan 24" TV channel, Atelier Brückner founder Shirin Brückner described the project not as a simple museum but as a true open house for people.
She noted the presence of public spaces, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The entrance tunnels visually connect the new museum with the historic Abdulqosim Madrasa, symbolizing the link between traditions and the future.
Atelier Brückner Vice President Eberhard Schlag emphasized that the main advantage of the museum is gathering all the country's exhibits in one place and presenting them in a modern format. According to him, the museum is expected to become a landmark not only for Tashkent but for all of Uzbekistan.
The current building of the Uzbekistan State Art Museum was constructed in 1974 and is an example of Soviet-era modernist architecture. Its cube-shaped facades are divided into square elements
