Almaty plans new modern art museum

The Almaty Planning Council has approved the construction of a modern art museum in the city’s Bostandyk district.

The proposal had been put forward by the Museum of Modern Art Public Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation formed by a group of patrons.

The mayor of Almaty, Bauyrzhan Baibek, highlighted the importance of such a development in strengthening the city as a scientific, educational and cultural centre.

“It is very important for the city, which we want to make modern and relevant to international standards, to create good leisure conditions for its citizens. We must revive the cultural life of Almaty,” said Mr Baibek.

The Museum of Modern Art Public Foundation hopes to attract renowned Barcelona-based architect, Carlos Ferrater, to design the building, which is expected to cover an area of 2.17 square hectares.

Almaty has a small but growing art scene. The city is Kazakhstan’s largest in terms of population, and is the country’s major commercial and cultural centre, although it lost its status as capital to Astana in 1997.

Source: Astana Times