Architecture of Three Generations: A Unique Retrospective Exhibition Opens in Almaty

The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a landmark event – the opening of the exhibition “Architecture of Three Generations”, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Union of Architects of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event was organized by the Union of Architects of the Republic of Kazakhstan in collaboration with the T.K. Bassenov Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Satbayev University). The grand opening was attended by the Presidents of the Union of Cinematographers of the RK, the Union of Artists of the RK, and the Academy of Arts of the RK, as well as the master of architecture, Oraz Baimurzayev. Representing Satbayev University, the exhibition was attended by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Saule Sherubay.

This project not only summarizes nearly a century of the Union’s history but also lays the foundation for the future professional community. For the first time in Kazakhstan’s history, such a large-scale collection and systematization of archival materials has been conducted. The exposition brings together rare drawings, projects, and documents covering three key eras: the Formation (from 1936): Works by the founders of the national school; the Soviet Period (1960s-1980s): The Golden Age of Modernism (Hotel Kazakhstan, Medeu, Palace of the Republic); the Period of Independence: A synthesis of tradition and high-tech (Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, Hazret Sultan Mosque).

Previously, no such consolidated collection of data on individual architects and iconic projects had been undertaken, making this exhibition an exclusive information source.

The main objective of the exhibition goes beyond mere observation. The organizers emphasize the educational aspect: the exhibition provides students and young professionals with an opportunity to deeply study the evolution of national architecture through the analysis of actual blueprints and scale models. Studying the experience of predecessors is intended to serve as a foundation for thesis projects and academic research. A key vector is the promotion of architectural activity and the shaping of a vision for the future appearance of our cities.

Bolat Kuspangaliev, Director of the T.K. Bassenov Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, emphasized the importance of this database for the educational process: “For the first time in the country’s history, a complete systematization of materials has been carried out. This is the “golden fund” of our architecture in one place. The project is designed not as a museum exhibit, but as a living educational base. Students can now study the national architectural code through the original blueprints of Medeu, Hotel Kazakhstan, and the modern symbols of Astana”.

A highlight of the day was the award ceremony for distinguished masters of the industry and the presentation of diplomas to new members of the Union of Architects of the RK.

The key vector of the event is not only the design of our cities' architectural future but also the preservation of their historical code.

The most significant outcome of this work will be the publication of a book dilogy – two fundamental volumes. The first volume will be dedicated to the chronicle and evolution of the Union of Architects of the Republic of Kazakhstan, while the second will reveal the creative journey and legacy of the masters who have shaped the face of modern Kazakhstan for decades.