Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology “Gylym Ordasy” is one of the leading scientific and cultural centers of Kazakhstan, reflecting the history of the development and establishment of archaeological science in the country. The origins of the museum date back to the 1920s and are inextricably linked with the long-term research of several generations of distinguished scholars - the founders of the Kazakh archaeological school.

The Museum of Archaeology was officially opened in 1973 at the initiative of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, Dinmukhamed Akhmetovich Kunayev. This step was taken to systematically preserve the country’s archaeological heritage, to create favorable conditions for scientific research, and to popularize archaeological discoveries among the general public. Initially, the museum was located at 44 Dostyk Avenue. A significant contribution to its development was made by prominent Kazakh archaeologists and historians, including Academician Alkey Khakanovich Margulan, A.N. Nusipbekov, Kh.A. Alpyssbaev, M.K. Kadybaev, A.G. Medoev, and others. The museum was conceived not only as a repository of archaeological artifacts but also as a systematic research institution.

One of the most important events that enhanced the scientific status of the museum was the discovery of the "Golden Man" - a burial find from the Issyk kurgan in Almaty Region, made in 1969. Based on the scientific reconstruction by archaeologist Kemel Akishev and restorer V. Sadomsky, the first artistic image of the "Golden Man" was created. This discovery became a major milestone, confirming the high level of Scytho-Saka art and the existence of early statehood in the territory of present-day Kazakhstan. It attracted significant attention in the international academic community.

The museum’s exposition covers archaeological periods ranging from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages in the territory of Kazakhstan. Among the exhibits are items from Bronze Age settlements and burial mounds (Begazy-Dandybai culture), artifacts of the Saka and Wusun cultures from the Early Iron Age, as well as inscriptions and items from the era of the Turkic Khaganate. The collection also includes household items and architectural elements unearthed during excavations of medieval cities such as Otrar, Sauran, Taraz, Balasagun, and others.

Today, the Museum of Archaeology operates under the umbrella of the Republican Scientific Institution “Gylym Ordasy.” Its primary missions are the preservation, study, and promotion of Kazakhstan’s archaeological heritage. The museum also plays an important role in training young specialists in the field of archaeology and in conducting public educational activities. Its collections contain numerous archaeological artifacts, providing a comprehensive representation of Kazakhstan’s material and spiritual culture throughout history.

The museum actively participates in organizing permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as in domestic and international scientific projects, thereby contributing to the popularization of archaeological heritage and strengthening its connection with society.