Things to Do in Applied Arts Museum, Oʻzbekiston

The Applied Arts Museum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion that once belonged to a wealthy Russian diplomat. This architectural gem showcases traditional Uzbek craftsmanship with its intricate wood carvings, colorful ceramics, and ornate decorative elements. The museum itself is a masterpiece of Central Asian design, featuring beautiful courtyards, carved wooden columns, and traditional Islamic architectural motifs that make it as much an attraction as the artifacts it contains. The museum's collection includes exquisite examples of Uzbek applied arts including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, and jewelry that span centuries of Central Asian craftsmanship. Visitors can explore rooms dedicated to different artistic traditions, from the famous blue ceramics of Rishtan to intricate suzani embroidery and traditional musical instruments. The museum provides an intimate look into Uzbekistan's rich artistic heritage while offering a peaceful respite from Tashkent's bustling streets.

Top Things to Do in Applied Arts Museum

Tashkent Museum Tour

Explore the Applied Arts Museum along with other cultural institutions in Tashkent including the State Museum of History and the Fine Arts Museum. These guided tours provide context about Uzbek culture and artistic traditions while visiting multiple venues in a single day.

Booking Tip: Book through local tour operators for $20-40 per person including transportation. Morning tours are best to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Look for guides who speak your language and have cultural expertise.

Traditional Craft Workshop

Participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional Uzbek crafts such as ceramics, miniature painting, or textile work. Many workshops are conducted by master artisans who demonstrate techniques passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Workshops cost $15-30 per person and last 2-3 hours. Book in advance as class sizes are limited. Best times are weekday mornings when artisans are most available.

Old City Walking Tour

Discover Tashkent's historic quarter including the Applied Arts Museum, Khast Imam Complex, and traditional mahallas (neighborhoods). These tours combine architectural highlights with cultural insights about daily life in historic Uzbekistan.

Booking Tip: Tours range from $25-50 per person for 3-4 hours. Early morning or late afternoon tours offer the best lighting and temperatures. Choose operators with small group sizes for a more personalized experience.

Chorsu Bazaar Experience

Visit Tashkent's largest traditional market near the old city to see contemporary applied arts and crafts alongside traditional goods. The bazaar offers opportunities to purchase authentic Uzbek handicrafts and observe local artisans at work.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, or join guided tours for $15-25 that include cultural context. Visit in the morning for the freshest selection and cooler temperatures. Bring cash for purchases.

Islamic Architecture Tour

Explore Tashkent's Islamic architectural heritage including the Applied Arts Museum building, Barak Khan Madrasah, and other historic structures. Tours focus on architectural techniques, decorative arts, and the evolution of Central Asian Islamic design.

Booking Tip: Architecture tours cost $30-60 per person depending on duration and group size. Best during cooler months or early morning/evening hours. Look for guides with architectural or art history backgrounds.

Getting There

Tashkent is accessible via Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which receives flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The Applied Arts Museum is located in the city center and can be reached from the airport by taxi (20-30 minutes, $5-10) or by taking the metro to Kosmonavtlar station and walking 10 minutes. The museum is also easily accessible from other parts of Tashkent via the efficient metro system, with the nearest stations being Kosmonavtlar or Pakhtakor.

Getting Around

Tashkent has an excellent metro system with three lines that connect major attractions and districts throughout the city. The Applied Arts Museum is within walking distance of several metro stations, making it easily accessible from hotels and other attractions. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with ride-sharing apps like Yandex Taxi widely used. For exploring the old city area around the museum, walking is often the best option as many attractions are clustered together within a few blocks.

Where to Stay

Tashkent City Center

Amir Timur Square Area

Chorsu Bazaar District

Yunusabad District

Shaykhantaur District

Mirabad District

Food & Dining

The area around the Applied Arts Museum offers excellent opportunities to sample traditional Uzbek cuisine at local restaurants and chaikhanas (tea houses). Try traditional dishes like plov (pilaf), lagman (noodle soup), and manti (steamed dumplings) at nearby establishments. The old city area features several authentic restaurants serving regional specialties, while modern cafes and international options are available in the city center. Don't miss trying fresh bread from traditional tandoor ovens and sampling local teas and sweets at traditional tea houses near the museum.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Applied Arts Museum and Tashkent is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making indoor attractions like the museum particularly appealing during midday hours. Winter visits are possible but can be cold, though the museum's indoor exhibits provide a warm cultural experience. Weekday mornings typically offer the most peaceful museum experience with fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

Photography inside the museum requires a separate fee, but the building's exterior courtyards and architectural details can be photographed freely

Visit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups are typically dining elsewhere for a more intimate museum experience

The museum shop offers authentic, high-quality reproductions of items in the collection at reasonable prices compared to tourist markets

Things to Do in Applied Arts Museum