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State Museum of Applied Arts, Oʻzbekiston - Things to Do in State Museum of Applied Arts

Things to Do in State Museum of Applied Arts

State Museum of Applied Arts, Oʻzbekiston - Complete Travel Guide

Tashkent, the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, is home to the renowned State Museum of Applied Arts, one of Central Asia's most significant cultural institutions. This vibrant metropolis seamlessly blends Soviet-era architecture with traditional Islamic design, creating a unique urban landscape where the State Museum of Applied Arts stands as a testament to centuries of Uzbek craftsmanship and artistic heritage. The museum showcases an extraordinary collection of traditional Uzbek applied arts including ceramics, textiles, woodcarving, and metalwork, making it an essential destination for understanding the rich cultural tapestry of the Silk Road region.

Top Things to Do in State Museum of Applied Arts

Explore the State Museum of Applied Arts Collection

Marvel at the extensive collection of traditional Uzbek crafts housed within the State Museum of Applied Arts, featuring exquisite examples of suzani embroidery, hand-painted ceramics, and intricate woodcarvings. The museum's displays showcase the evolution of Uzbek applied arts from medieval times to the present day, with detailed explanations of traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Entry to the State Museum of Applied Arts costs approximately 15,000 UZS (about $1.50 USD) for adults, with photography permits available for an additional fee. Visit during weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for smaller crowds and better lighting for viewing the intricate details of the exhibited pieces.

Attend Traditional Craft Workshops

Participate in hands-on workshops often organized by the State Museum of Applied Arts, where master craftsmen demonstrate traditional techniques like ceramic painting, embroidery, and wood carving. These sessions provide intimate insight into the artistic processes that created the museum's remarkable collection.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions at the State Museum of Applied Arts are typically held on weekends and cost 50,000-100,000 UZS ($5-10 USD) per person. Reserve spots in advance through the museum's administration office, as classes are limited to 8-12 participants to ensure personalized instruction.

Visit Chorsu Bazaar for Living Applied Arts

Experience contemporary versions of the crafts displayed in the State Museum of Applied Arts at Tashkent's historic Chorsu Bazaar, where local artisans sell handmade ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. This bustling market provides context for understanding how the traditional arts showcased in the State Museum of Applied Arts continue to thrive in modern Uzbekistan.

Booking Tip: Chorsu Bazaar operates daily from 6 AM to 6 PM with the most active period between 9 AM and 4 PM. Bargaining is expected, with initial prices typically 2-3 times the final agreed amount. Bring cash in local currency (UZS) as card payments are rarely accepted.

Explore the Historic Hast Imam Complex

Discover architectural elements and decorative arts similar to those featured in the State Museum of Applied Arts at this 16th-century religious complex. The intricate tilework, carved wooden doors, and calligraphy provide historical context for understanding the religious and cultural influences on Uzbek applied arts.

Booking Tip: The Hast Imam Complex is open daily 9 AM to 6 PM with free entry to the courtyard areas. Guided tours cost 30,000 UZS ($3 USD) and provide valuable historical context that complements your visit to the State Museum of Applied Arts. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and long pants.

Tour the Amir Timur Museum

Visit this museum dedicated to the great Central Asian conqueror, which houses artifacts and decorative objects that complement the applied arts collection at the State Museum of Applied Arts. The museum's exhibits include medieval weapons, manuscripts, and ceremonial objects that showcase the historical context of Uzbek craftsmanship.

Booking Tip: Admission to the Amir Timur Museum costs 20,000 UZS ($2 USD) with audio guides available in multiple languages for an additional 15,000 UZS. Plan 2-3 hours for your visit, ideally before or after visiting the State Museum of Applied Arts to create a comprehensive cultural experience.

Getting There

Tashkent is accessible via Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, located 12 kilometers southeast of the city center where the State Museum of Applied Arts is situated. International flights connect Tashkent to major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, with direct buses and taxis providing convenient airport transfers. The journey from the airport to the State Museum of Applied Arts area takes approximately 30-45 minutes by taxi (costing 40,000-60,000 UZS) or 60-90 minutes using public transportation including the metro system.

Getting Around

Tashkent's efficient metro system provides convenient access to areas near the State Museum of Applied Arts, with the closest stations being Pushkin and Hamid Olimjon on the blue line. Taxis through apps like Yandex Taxi offer reliable transportation throughout the city, with rides to the State Museum of Applied Arts from central areas typically costing 8,000-15,000 UZS. Public buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) provide economical transportation options, though routes can be confusing for first-time visitors to the State Museum of Applied Arts area.

Where to Stay

Yunusobod District (modern hotels near business center)
Old City area (walking distance to State Museum of Applied Arts)
Shaykhantaur District (mid-range accommodations)
Mirzo Ulugbek District (budget-friendly options)
Chilanzar District (residential area with guesthouses)
Sergeli District (airport proximity hotels)

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene offers excellent opportunities to experience the culinary traditions that complement the cultural heritage displayed at the State Museum of Applied Arts. Traditional restaurants like Caravan and Afsona serve authentic Uzbek cuisine including plov, manti, and lagman in settings decorated with applied arts similar to the museum's collection. The area around the State Museum of Applied Arts features several teahouses (chaikhanas) where visitors can enjoy traditional meals served on hand-painted ceramics reminiscent of the museum's pottery collection, while modern cafes and international restaurants provide contemporary dining options throughout the city center.

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When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the State Museum of Applied Arts is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when Tashkent enjoys mild temperatures ideal for exploring both indoor museum spaces and outdoor cultural sites. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), making extended visits to the State Museum of Applied Arts more comfortable during early morning hours, while winter months (December-February) bring cold weather but fewer crowds and better opportunities for focused appreciation of the museum's intricate applied arts collection. The State Museum of Applied Arts maintains consistent indoor climate control year-round, ensuring optimal viewing conditions for its delicate textile and ceramic exhibits regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Visit the State Museum of Applied Arts on the first Tuesday of each month when special exhibitions often open, providing exclusive access to rotating displays of contemporary Uzbek applied arts alongside the permanent collection.
The State Museum of Applied Arts offers photography workshops on weekend afternoons where visitors can learn specialized techniques for capturing the intricate details of traditional crafts under professional guidance.
Purchase authentic reproductions of items displayed in the State Museum of Applied Arts at the museum shop, which works directly with certified master craftsmen to ensure quality and authenticity of traditional techniques.

Explore Activities in State Museum of Applied Arts