Kazakhstan National Museum of Instruments, Musical instruments museum in Medeu District, Kazakhstan
The Kazakhstan National Museum of Instruments occupies a wooden building with carved details in Russian Revival style and features tall windows that bring in natural light. The structure houses several exhibition halls where over 1000 instruments from different regions and cultures are displayed.
The building dates to 1908 and initially served as a ceremonial space for military leadership. It was converted into a musical instruments museum in 1980 and has preserved instrumental traditions since then.
The museum displays instruments that played roles in everyday life and celebrations among Kazakh people. The exhibitions help visitors understand how music shaped society and what place it held in local traditions.
The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday with different sections dedicated to folk music, wind instruments, and percussion. It helps to check in advance about opening times, as they can vary depending on the season.
At the entrance stands a sculpture of the narkobyz, a traditional bowed instrument that symbolizes the region's musical story. This display shows why this instrument matters so much to Kazakh identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
