Türkmen Carpet Museum
Aşgabat
The State Museum of Turkmenistan, also known as the Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Museum, is a prominent cultural institution located in Ashgabat. Opened on November 12, 1998, the museum encompasses seven permanent galleries that explore the country's history, ethnography, and contemporary culture. The museum is divided into three main sections: natural history, science, and a dedicated area honoring the President of Turkmenistan. Its extensive collection includes over 500,000 exhibits such as archaeological artifacts, ancient artworks, paintings, sculptures, carpets, fabrics, traditional clothing, household tools, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, medals, and historical documents. Notably, the natural history section also houses significant fossils and rare geological specimens. Visitors should note that photography is prohibited throughout the museum, and guests are accompanied by staff during their visit. While the museum offers English captions in most areas, the science section lacks English translations, which may limit accessibility for some visitors. The museum's unique dedication of a substantial portion of its space to the current president, showcasing images of his engagements with citizens and world leaders, reflects the country's political culture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours when the museum is open, and to consider purchasing tickets in advance if available. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the museum, and all visitors are accompanied by staff members. English captions are available in most sections except the science gallery, so those interested in scientific exhibits may benefit from a guide or translator. Check for any available discounts for students or groups before visiting.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds over 500,000 exhibits including rare archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.
- •A large section of the museum is dedicated exclusively to the current President of Turkmenistan, showcasing his activities and engagements.
- •Photography is prohibited throughout the museum, and visitors are monitored by staff during their visit.
- •The science section lacks English captions, unlike the rest of the museum, which may affect accessibility for international visitors.
History
The State Museum of Turkmenistan was inaugurated on November 12, 1998, as a central cultural institution in Ashgabat.
Initially encompassing seven galleries, it was later reorganized into three main sections: natural history, science, and a presidential gallery.
Over time, the museum has expanded its collections to include over half a million artifacts ranging from archaeological finds to ethnographic materials, reflecting the country's rich heritage.
The dedication of a significant portion of the museum to the current president highlights the evolving political narrative within Turkmenistan's cultural institutions.
Place Guide
Natural History Gallery
This gallery displays a vast collection of ancient artifacts, fossils, and rare geological specimens representing Turkmenistan's natural heritage. It includes intricately crafted ancient artworks and archaeological finds from across the country.
Ethnography and Culture Galleries
These sections showcase traditional Turkmen carpets, rugs, fabrics, clothing, household utensils, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, and historical documents, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.
Presidential Gallery
Dedicated to the current President of Turkmenistan, this gallery features images and exhibits depicting his involvement in various activities such as agriculture, sports, education, and diplomacy, illustrating his role in national life.
Science Gallery
This section presents scientific exhibits related to Turkmenistan but lacks English captions, which may limit understanding for non-Turkmen speakers.
Contact
Phone: (8 12) 44-68-09
