Historical and Cultural Center of the First President

The Historical and Cultural Center of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan officially commenced its operations on November 22, 2011. The opening ceremony was personally attended by the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev. The Center operates in accordance with the Charter approved by Order No. 286 of the State Institution "Department of State Assets and Procurement of Karaganda Region" dated October 31, 2013. According to this document, the institution holds the status of a communal state treasury enterprise under the Department of Culture, Archives, and Documentation of the Karaganda Region.

The main objective of the institution is to collect, preserve, and conduct scholarly research on the historical and cultural heritage associated with the life and work of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as on the key stages of the country's formation and development. As an object of historical and cultural heritage, the Center actively participates in the implementation of state policy in the fields of culture and art throughout the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is also oriented toward the development of museum activities and historical education. Through the introduction of information and communication technologies and traditional library services, the Center contributes to the implementation of state policy in the field of education and science.

Within its activities, the Center promotes the formation of historical consciousness, the strengthening of spiritual values and national unity, and the education of citizens in the spirit of patriotism and morality. It also organizes theatrical and concert events aimed at enhancing access to national and global cultural heritage.

The total area of the museum is 4,560 square meters. Currently, the museum fund includes 3,705 items, of which 583 are part of the main collection and 3,122 are part of the auxiliary scientific collection.

Regarding its exhibition structure, the Center houses six exhibition halls opened in 2011. Additionally, in 2020 and 2022, two thematic halls were created at the initiative of the Center’s staff. The institution also includes an art gallery, an exhibition hall, a cinema hall with 120 seats, a conference hall with 70 seats, and a storage facility.

1. "Independent Kazakhstan" Hall - The architectural design of the hall is inspired by the traditional Kazakh yurt, with the shanyrak symbolizing Kazakhstan as a common home for its multiethnic population. The exhibition presents documents reflecting the process of Kazakhstan's independence and the country's major achievements in the years of sovereignty. A model of the capital city, Astana, is placed in the center of the hall. Along the perimeter, display cases present archival materials, historical documents, and rare photographs illustrating key events. National symbols of Kazakhstan-Flag, Emblem, and Anthem-as well as the first series of the national currency, the tenge, and images of landmark events in modern history are also exhibited.
2. "Child of His Time" Hall - This hall is dedicated to the childhood, school, and student years of the First President. Exhibits include family photographs of the Nazarbayevs, an autobiography handwritten by Nursultan Nazarbayev, and his family lineage-Shezhire, embroidered with gold thread on green velvet in India. The artifact was created by Ayzhan Abdubaitova, a member of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan. The displays also include traditional Kazakh household items and models of the house in Chemolgan village, where the President’s family lived, as well as of Vocational School No. 8 in Dniprodzerzhynsk, where he received technical training.
3. "Exceptional Personality" Hall - This hall covers the history of the construction of the Kazakhstani Magnitka-from the idea of the plant’s creation to the launch of the full industrial cycle of the metallurgical complex. The display features documents and photographs related to major events in the history of the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant. A special section is dedicated to academician Kanysh Satpayev, with books written about him, commemorative medals, and items belonging to his family. Visitors can also see leisure items used by Magnitka builders, the first ingot of Kazakhstani pig iron, and a furnace worker’s uniform made of thick cloth.
4. "Steel Image of Kazakhstan" Hall - This hall recreates the atmosphere of metallurgical production, creating an immersive effect for visitors. On the right side is a model of a full-scale metallurgical plant complex: sintering and coke-chemical production, blast furnace, converter, and sheet metal rolling mill. A mock-up of pig iron smelting in a blast furnace, as well as various rolled metal products, are also displayed. Visitors can view the complete technological process of iron and steel production-from raw material to finished product.
5. "Through Time" Hall - This hall provides detailed information about the political career of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The exhibition includes photographs and documents highlighting the history of Temirtau city and the Karaganda Metallurgical Plant. Also displayed are documents and photographs relating to the awarding of Temirtau with the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. The hall features models of the Metallurgists’ Palace of Culture, a training and production plant, the "Dolphin" swimming pool (now "Zhasstar"), and a monument to soldiers from Samarkand who died in the Great Patriotic War.
6. "Path of Kazakhstan" Hall - This hall showcases the stages of Kazakhstan’s formation as an independent state. In the center is a column with a bas-relief symbolizing the historical development of the nation. The centerpiece is a fragment of the sculptural ensemble "Kazakh Eli" by artist Yerlan Zhubanyshev, representing the Kazakh people's aspirations for progress and prosperity. The hall also features a map of Kazakhstan with information about its regions and sacred places. Interactive panels offer insights into key political, economic, and socio-cultural milestones of modern Kazakhstan.
7.  "Hall of Sports Glory" - Opened in 2020, this hall is dedicated to prominent athletes and coaches of Temirtau and the Karaganda region. Personal belongings of famous sportsmen-Alexander Vinokurov, Olympic champion of the XXX Summer Olympic Games, and Ilya Ilyin, four-time world champion - are on display. A special section is devoted to Aitzhan Isakov, an honored citizen of Temirtau, plant veteran, master of sports in weightlifting, and professional powerlifting world champion.
8. "Traditions and Customs" Hall - Opened in 2022 with the aim of promoting Kazakh national traditions and material values. The centerpiece of the hall is a partially open model of a traditional Kazakh yurt, fully equipped with authentic interior items. The yurt, the primary dwelling of nomads, is easily assembled and disassembled, making it ideal for transport. The origin of the yurt dates back to the Bronze Age, with widespread use beginning in the 7th century BCE. The practice of felting wool became a highly respected and common craft.