The Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments – A Sound Journey Through Kazakh Heritage
History:
- The wooden building was erected in 1908, contemporaneously with the Ascension Cathedral, serving as a venue for military ceremonies and state receptions.
- The architectural style reflects Old Russian architecture, designed by the renowned architect A.P. Zenkov.
- Originally used as the House of Officers, it was transformed into the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in 1980.
Name and Dedication:
- Named after Ykylas, a prominent Kazakh musician from the 19th and 20th centuries who advocated for the preservation of folk culture and various national instruments.
Architecture:
- The rectangular wooden building features tall, rectangular windows with intricately carved platbands.
- Triaxial space-planning solution with risalits accentuating the main facade.
- The central risalit has a two-tiered hipped roof with ornately decorated carved platbands.
Reconstruction (1979):
- Kazakh national patterns were added to the wooden carvings during the reconstruction.
The Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments appears to be a valuable cultural institution that celebrates the musical traditions of Kazakhstan and beyond. Visitors can explore the history, craftsmanship, and diversity of musical instruments in a captivating setting.
Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments – A Treasure of Kazakh Music in Almaty
Located in the heart of Almaty, near Panfilov Park, the Ykhlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments offers a fascinating look into the musical soul of Kazakhstan. Founded in 1980 and named after the famed Kazakh musician and composer Ykhlas Dukenuly, this museum houses one of the largest collections of traditional Kazakh instruments in the country.
Set in a charming 19th-century wooden building built in Russian colonial style, the museum is not only a cultural attraction but also a beautifully preserved architectural gem.
🎼 What to See at the Museum
The museum displays more than 1,000 musical instruments from Kazakhstan and Central Asia, including:
Dombra – the iconic two-stringed Kazakh lute
Kobyz – a traditional bowed instrument used by shamans
Zhetygen – an ancient multi-stringed zither
Sybyzgy – a wooden flute
Sherter, dauylpaz, asatayak – rare ritual and folk instruments
Foreign instruments from Turkic and Asian cultures
The exhibits also include historical instruments used by famous musicians, composers, and storytellers (akyns) of the past.
🏛️ Museum Building & Atmosphere
Built in 1907, the museum building is an example of vernacular wooden architecture from the Tsarist era.
Inside, the exhibition halls are adorned with traditional decor, folk motifs, and musical ambient soundscapes.
Occasional live performances and workshops are held for visitors.
📚 Educational & Cultural Value
Learn about the origins and evolution of Kazakh musical traditions
Discover the spiritual and storytelling roles of instruments like the kobyz and dombra
Interactive exhibits allow guests to hear audio samples of each instrument
Perfect for music lovers, cultural explorers, students, and tourists, this museum offers an intimate, educational experience in under an hour.
📍 Location & Visitor Info
Address: Zenkov Street 24, Almaty (next to Panfilov Park and Ascension Cathedral)
Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Low-cost entry, with discounts for students and locals
Guided Tours: Available in Kazakh, Russian, and occasionally in English
🧭 How to Get There
By Metro: Take the Green Line to Zhibek Zholy Station, then walk 10 minutes
By Taxi or Yandex Go: Simply search for “Ykhlas Museum” or input the address
Nearby Attractions: Ascension Cathedral, Panfilov Park, Green Bazaar
🧳 Travel Tips
Visit in the morning to avoid school group crowds
Combine your visit with a walk in Panfilov Park or lunch in the nearby historic district
Photography is usually allowed (no flash)
Museum shop offers mini dombra souvenirs and music CDs