State Museum of Applied Art of Uzbekistan

A unique collection of handmade items

The Museum of Applied Art in Tashkent boasts a huge collection of over 7,000 works created by the hands of artisans from all over Uzbekistan, such as knives from Chust, ceramics from Rishtan, satin from Margilan, traditional clothes and gold embroidery from Bukhara and many other things.

The museum is organised in the residence of former Russian diplomat A. A. Polovtsev, who was known for his love for art and architecture. The house’s interior is richly ornamented by best Uzbek decorators, specialists in wall painting and traditional wood and ganch (alabaster) cutting.

Since 1927 the building housed the exhibition of best works by Uzbek craftsmen, which in 1937 was re-organised into the Museum of Handmade Articles. In 1997 the institution was renamed the State Museum of Applied Arts.

Today the museum displays over 50 types of traditional applied art, including:

The museum’s collection includes works made in the first half of the 19th century and items designed following ancient traditions and referred to different ‘schools’ (e.g. Tashkent, Samarkand and Rishtan ceramic schools); craftwork manufactured in the 20th century and enriched with artistic ornamentation; creations by modern artisans who keep with the time, yet pay due respect to old traditions.

Within the museum you can find two souvenir shops where you can buy some traditional Uzbek craftwork, such as ceramics, porcelain, suzani tapestries, jewellery, traditional textiles and accessories, as well as a wide range of other things; you can also order a unique souvenir in a craftsman’s workshop.

Address: 15 Rakatboshi Str., Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m., without a break for lunch; the ticket office closes at 5 p.m.

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