Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, Cultural and entertainment complex in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center is a six-story complex in Ashgabat standing 95 meters tall, constructed with glass and white steel. A Ferris wheel measuring 57 meters in diameter sits atop the building's roof.
The center opened on May 18, 2012, with an official ceremony led by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter in entertainment and culture for the nation.
The center serves as a venue for art exhibitions and festivals that feature Turkmen crafts and musical traditions. Visitors can encounter local artists and their work displayed within a contemporary setting.
The building spans four above-ground floors and two basement levels containing shops, restaurants, and event spaces for public celebrations. Visitors can find multiple areas throughout the complex for shopping, dining, and attending gatherings.
The Ferris wheel is called Alem, meaning Universe, and set a Guinness World Record as the world's highest indoor wheel when it was completed. This enclosed design protects riders from weather while offering panoramic views.
Location: Ashgabat
Founders: Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow
Height: 95 m
Address: Arçabil (1939) şaýoly
GPS coordinates: 37.89861,58.29917
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50
Observation wheels allow the exploration of cities and their surroundings from heights ranging from 25 to 250 meters. These steel structures rotate slowly, giving visitors time to observe monuments, watercourses, and neighborhoods spread at their feet. In London, the London Eye looms over the Thames at 135 meters, while in Singapore, the Singapore Flyer stands at 165 meters with views reaching into Malaysia and Indonesia. In Las Vegas, the High Roller rises 168 meters above the lit-up Strip. Each wheel has its unique technical and historical features. The Tianjin Eye in China is integrated into the Yongle Bridge structure above the Hai River. In Vienna, the Wiener Riesenrad in Prater dates from 1897 and retains its original 15 wooden cabins. These attractions offer an alternative way to see cities, taking height for a rotation duration typically between 15 and 30 minutes.
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