The Dina Nurpeisova Museum of the History of Art
The Dina Nurpeisova Museum of Art History was established on February 22, 1991, in honor of the 130th anniversary of the birth of the great kuyshi and outstanding representative of Kazakh folk art, our fellow countrywoman Dina Nurpeisova. Since 2008, the museum has operated as a branch of the West Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, during which time it underwent modernization. During this period, the museum's exhibition space was expanded, and its collection was enriched with new exhibits and valuable historical and cultural materials. The total area of the museum is 115 square meters. It is equipped according to modern standards and includes three main permanent exhibition halls: the Ethnography Hall, the Art History Hall, and the District History Hall.
1. The Ethnography Hall showcases the historical, cultural, and ethnographic heritage of the Zhanakala region. It features photographs and household items related to the history of the village of Zhana Kazan, founded in 1871 as a trading center. Exhibits also reflect the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Kazakh people, such as tuskiiz (wall carpets), aq basqur (decorative yurt braids), belts for securing yurt poles, wooden cauldrons and dishes, spoons with owl feathers, hand mills, wooden pillows, kebezhe chests, and wall carpets. The exhibition is complemented by items related to traditional livestock farming and professional life.
2. The Art History Hall is dedicated to the life and work of kuyshi-composers who laid the foundations of traditional Kazakh music. It houses valuable exhibits associated with prominent figures such as Kurmangazy Sagyrbaiuly, Dina Nurpeisova, Mamen Yergaliuly, Seitek Orazalyuly, Oqap Kydyrniyazov, and Qali Zhantileuov. Among the exhibits are personal belongings, stage costumes, dombra instruments, photographs, and documentary materials. Personal items of Turat Shamilov and Shamgon Kazhygaliyev are also displayed.
3. The Zhanakala District History Hall presents materials reflecting the history of the district from its founding to the present day. This section provides structured information about natives of Zhanakala - public and state figures, Heroes of Socialist Labor, Heroes of the Soviet Union, as well as veterans of labor and war.
The museum's collection comprises 2,596 items, including 1,791 originals and around 805 copies. Among the most valuable items are the kamzol (traditional vest) of Dina Nurpeisova’s mother, the dombra of her nephew Nietqali Ötegenov, silver earrings and a ring belonging to her granddaughter Balzhan Zhurynbaiqyzy, as well as rare items such as a clay jug and a glass cup belonging to the daughter of Konyrai - Bagila Bishaeva.
The Dina Nurpeisova Museum of Art History is a unique institution that plays an important role in preserving, studying, and promoting national cultural heritage and reflects the historical and cultural identity of the region.