May 18 marks International Museum Day, a celebration that highlights the role of museums in preserving humanity’s historical memory and cultural heritage for future generations. Kazakhstan has 286 museums, among which the Museum of Abai University has been operating since 1998. It presents the chronicle of the university’s history, national artifacts, and students’ creative works.

In the lead-up to Museum Day, the country annually hosts the traditional cultural event “Museum Night,” during which museums open their doors at night and admit visitors free of charge. Today, 286 museums operate across the republic, housing more than 4.5 million valuable historical and cultural artifacts. Museums in the cultural capital hold a special place among them. City museums not only preserve history but also transform it into a “living experience,” presenting it in formats accessible to young people.

The alma mater actively cooperates with the Association of Museums of Almaty and other cultural institutions to provide students with deeper exposure to national culture and history. First-year students visit cultural sites in Almaty and the surrounding region, including the Almaty Museum, the Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, the Nurgisa Tlendiyev Memorial Museum, the Dinmukhamed Kunaev Memorial Apartment Museum, the Sabit Mukanov and Gabit Musrepov Literary and Memorial Museum Complex, the Raiymbek Batyr Memorial Complex, and the Multimedia Center of Traditional Music. In addition, the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Zhambyl Zhabayev Literary and Memorial Museum broaden students’ horizons and deepen their respect for national culture.

The Abai KazNPU Historical Museum is an important part of this spiritual connection. It is a cultural center that brings together the history, art, and development of the university. It was opened in 1998 to mark the university’s 70th anniversary. The museum space is divided into three main halls.

The first hall is a gallery of creative works by students of the Faculty of Arts, featuring paintings, graphics, and sculptures. The exhibits showcase students’ coursework and creative exploration.

The second hall is dedicated to decorative and applied arts. It features wooden, leather, and metal crafts, objects decorated with national ornaments, embroidery, and tapestries. These works reflect the outcomes of the ethnodesign educational program.

The third hall is dedicated to the university’s history. It contains photographs, documents, and archival materials illustrating the institution’s development from its foundation to the present day.

The Abai University Historical Museum is not just a place for preserving exhibits. It is a creative and educational environment closely connected to the learning process. Students present their works here, use materials for research, conduct guided tours, and broaden their worldview.

Abai University Media Center