Shaymardan Sariyev Museum of Fine and Applied Arts

The Atyrau Regional Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts named after Shaimardan Sariev is one of the largest cultural centers in the region dedicated to fine and traditional applied arts. The museum was opened in 1992 in the city of Atyrau, and in 2005 it was named after the prominent Kazakh artist and member of the Union of Artists of the USSR, Shaimardan Sariev. This decision was made in recognition of the artist’s creative legacy and his significant contribution to the development of Kazakh painting.

The main goal of the museum is to nurture the viewer spiritually and aesthetically through the collection, preservation, study, and promotion of the best works of fine and decorative-applied art. Alongside this, the museum actively engages in scientific research, organizes temporary and traveling exhibitions, and conducts creative workshops for youth and children.

Currently, the museum’s collection contains 2,304 works of art. The collection includes paintings, graphics, sculptures, as well as various samples of national decorative-applied art. Among them are paintings by S. Sariev, works by renowned Kazakhstani artists (M. Kenbaev, K. Telzhanov, S. Mambeyev, A. Galimbaeva, N. Nurmukhammedov, and others), as well as pieces by local masters. The total area of the museum building is 1,010 square meters. It houses theme-specific exhibition halls, storage facilities, a main exhibition hall, and information sections for visitors.

The museum’s exhibits are organized into the following thematic halls:

1. The "Shaimardan Sariev" Hall - This hall showcases the life and work of the artist. On display are his famous paintings such as “Red Birch”, “Melody of the Steppe”, “Fishermen”, “Native Land”, along with his personal belongings, photographs, and records. Sariev is presented as an outstanding figure who left a significant mark on the formation of the national style in Kazakh painting.

2. The "Central" Hall - One of the main and largest halls in the museum. It features works by classical and contemporary Kazakh artists - including paintings and sculptures. The exhibition covers a range of themes and styles, vividly illustrating the stages of artistic development.

3. "Asyl Mura" Hall - Dedicated to the traditional decorative-applied art of the Kazakh people. On display are ornamental art, jewelry, household items (tekemet, alasha, syrmak, kebeje, etc.), and works by folk artisans. The exhibition aims to promote the deep roots of national culture.

4. Decorative-Applied Arts Halls (two halls) - These halls present contemporary works by artisans and artists in the field of decorative-applied art. Exhibits include items made of wood, metal, leather, fabric, and ceramics.

5. The "Graphics" Hall - A specialized hall dedicated to graphic works by Kazakh and foreign artists. The collection includes works created using ink, pencil, charcoal, and watercolor. Among the works are portraits, landscapes, and compositional scenes.

6. The "Makhambet" Hall - Dedicated to the legendary poet and freedom fighter Makhambet Utemisov. It features sculptures and paintings reflecting the image and heroism of the poet, as well as historical documents and materials.

7. The "Saraishyk" Hall - Dedicated to the ancient city of Saraishyk. The exhibition includes historical maps, archaeological artifacts, elements of ancient architecture, and reconstructed artistic compositions. This hall introduces visitors to the culture of the Atyrau region during the Golden Horde period.

8. The "Exhibition" Hall - Intended for temporary exhibitions and various cultural events. Throughout the year, it hosts solo and group exhibitions by local and international artists, youth art festivals, and themed cultural programs.