Uzbekistan boasts a wealth of museums, but some stand out for their truly unique and unexpected collections. From the Savitsky Museum in Nukus, home to the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde and socialist realist art, to the Afrasiyab Museum in Samarkand, which showcases artefacts from an ancient city, these offbeat museums offer travellers an extraordinary glimpse into Uzbekistan’s diverse cultural heritage. This list explores five such hidden gems that reveal fascinating stories and treasures you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.
The Savitsky Museum, also known as the Nukus Museum of Art, is one of Uzbekistan’s most remarkable and unique museums. It holds the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde and socialist realist art. What makes it truly special is its location in the remote city of Nukus, far from major cultural centres. The collection was saved from destruction by the dedicated artist Igor Savitsky, who risked persecution by the Soviet regime to preserve works that had been banned and censored. Today, the museum stands as a testament to his courage and passion for art. Read more about it here.
Entry and Timings: The Savitsky Museum is open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Admission for international visitors is approximately 40,000 UZS (equivalent to about $3–$4 USD). Additional charges may apply for photography permits or guided tours.
Address: Nukus, Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
The Muyi Muborak Madrasah, also known as the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum, is a historic library in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, renowned for housing the “Koran of Osman.” This manuscript, believed to be the world’s oldest surviving copy of the Quran, dates back to the 7th century and is thought to be the personal copy of Caliph Osman bin Affan, written on deer skin. The library is part of the Hazrati Imam Complex and contains around 3,000 ancient manuscripts focusing on medieval history, astronomy, and medicine. The madrasah itself is an architectural masterpiece, featuring beautiful domes and intricate tile work from the Timurid era. As a cultural and religious landmark, it offers invaluable insight into the region’s Islamic scholarship and heritage.
Entry and Timings: The Moyie Mubarek Library Museum is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends, though hours may vary. Entry fees vary, higher for foreign visitors. Photography inside the museum may be restricted.
Address: Muyi Muborak Madrasah, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The Afrasiyab Museum in Samarkand is renowned for its rare collection of 7th-8th century murals from the ancient Afrasiyab Palace, offering a vivid glimpse into Silk Road life during the Sogdian era. These murals depict vibrant processions and scenes that reveal the social, political, and religious practices of the time. Alongside the murals, the museum houses diverse artefacts such as ceramics, coins, weapons, and textiles, highlighting Samarkand’s role as a key Silk Road hub influenced by Persian, Indian, and Hellenistic cultures. The museum’s modern architecture blends traditional Uzbek design, enhancing its appeal. It provides a fascinating insight into Sogdian culture and the city’s rich history, with exhibits featuring ancient objects, informative displays, and multimedia presentations.
Entry and Timings: The Afrasiyab Museum is usually open from 9 AM to 6 PM but remains closed on Sundays. Entry fees may vary depending on visitor type. Since hours and pricing can change, it’s advisable to check directly with the museum or consult a local tourism service before your visit to ensure accurate, up-to-date information.
Address: Tashkent Rd, Samarkand, Samarqand Region, Uzbekistan
The Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand is a remarkable historical site and museum dedicated to ancient astronomy. Built in the 1420s by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg, it was the last great observatory of the Islamic medieval period. Today, the small museum at the site showcases paintings, models of astronomical instruments, and fragments of the original observatory unearthed during excavations. Visitors can explore educational exhibits about Ulugh Beg’s life and groundbreaking work, view detailed replicas of tools like the sky globe and double arc quadrant, and see visual displays including stamps and coins celebrating his legacy. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the scientific achievements of the Timurid era and the history of astronomy in Central Asia.
Entry and Timings: The Ulugh Beg Observatory is typically open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, with slightly shorter hours during the winter months. Entry for foreign adults costs around 50,000 Uzbekistani Som (UZS).
Address: Tashkent Rd, Samarkand, Samarqand Region, Uzbekistan
The Khorezm Silk Museum in Uzbekistan celebrates the country’s rich silk heritage through an immersive and hands-on experience. This unique museum showcases the traditional process of silk production—from the cultivation of silkworms to the transformation of silk threads into vibrant fabrics and carpets. Visitors can observe each stage of silk-making, gaining insight into the intricate craft that has been practised for centuries. The museum also offers an interactive experience where guests can create their own dyed silk scarf using natural paints. Complementing the cultural journey, visitors are often treated to complimentary tea and sweets, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. This museum provides a colourful glimpse into an important part of Uzbekistan’s artistic and cultural history.
Entry and Timings: The Khorezm Silk Museum is generally open daily from 8:30 AM to 8 PM. However, hours may change, so it's best to confirm with your accommodation or local sources. Entry fee details and booking requirements are not clearly available, so checking in advance is recommended.
Address: Baltaeva St., Ichan-Kala Museum-Reserve, Khiva 220900, Uzbekistan.
What makes the Savitsky Museum in Nukus so special?
The Savitsky Museum holds the world’s second-largest collection of Russian avant-garde and socialist realist art, preserved against the odds by Igor Savitsky in a remote city far from major cultural centers.
Why is the Muyi Muborak Madrasah important for Islamic heritage?
It houses the “Koran of Osman,” believed to be the world’s oldest Quran copy, along with 3,000 ancient manuscripts on history, astronomy, and medicine, making it a vital cultural and religious site.
What can visitors expect at the Afrasiyab Museum in Samarkand?
Visitors can see rare 7th-8th century murals depicting Silk Road life during the Sogdian era, along with artifacts like ceramics, coins, and textiles that showcase Samarkand’s rich multicultural history.
What is unique about the Ulugh Beg Observatory museum?
The museum celebrates the achievements of Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg with exhibits of ancient astronomical instruments, models, and educational displays about medieval Islamic astronomy.
How does the Khorezm Silk Museum provide a unique experience?
It offers an interactive look at traditional silk-making, from silkworm cultivation to fabric creation, including hands-on dyeing workshops and cultural treats like tea and sweets.