The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan has six exhibition halls. Collection reflects the profile, the specificity and the main directions of the museum. Diverse collection is evidence of the long history of Kazakhstan, from the time of the origin of life on Earth, the appearance and disappearance of prehistoric animals and plants, the appearance of the first traces of human life, the addition of tribal alliances and states of development and interaction of nomadic and urban civilizations, civil wars and mass migrations of peoples andwith events of 20th -21st centuries.
Hall of Palaeontology and Archaeology.
The Paleontological section of this first hall is represented by rich osteological (osteology, the study of bones) material, fragments of fossilized wood, imprints of insects and fish, microscopic spores and pollen from plants. The majority of the exhibition is millions of years old. The archaeological exhibition is composed of sections: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the early Iron Age, the Hun-Sarmat periods and the Middle Ages. The exhibitions are displayed in a thematic and chronological order on the two levels of the room. The beginning of the exhibition is devoted to questions of the origin and development of man. In the last 15 years there has been a real “breakthrough” in paleoanthropology. A number of new branches of the evolutionary tree of hominids were opened, which was more extensive than previously thought. It is now became known that the evolution of hominids was not linear; it was more bush-like pattern. In many cases existed simultaneously three, four kinds of hominids and can be even more including the same area. The current situation, where there is only one species of Homo sapiens is not typical. It has developed relatively recently. 40-50 thousand years ago on the ground at the same time there evidently as many as four types of people: modern man, Neanderthal, relic erectus in East Asia and a pygmy people from the island of Flores. There is reason to believe that reducing the diversity of hominids was due to competitive displacement of archaic species by more advanced, and in the first place by modern man. The next section of the exhibition includes archaeological artifacts discovered in the territory of Kazakhstan as a result of numerous archaeological expeditions, reflecting the history of our country from the Palaeolithic Age. Copies of the most valuable archaeological finds are displayed, including the ‘Golden Man’ from the Issyk kurgan, unique ancient gold articles from the Kargaly and Zhalauly treasures, reconstructions of ancient burial structures and farming constructions, models of medieval architecture and colorful dioramas of the Earth history. Medieval nomads, the Turks inherited their descendants with the beautiful stone sculptures, military attributes: horn bows, arrowheads, spears, armor, belt bronze plaques and bronze pommel whip with a wolf’s head. Urban culture of 10th-12th centuries in the classical system of services – ward with shops of potters, blacksmiths, jewelers, with water supply system and drainage were displayed. Since 6thc. AD, on the territory of South Kazakhstan and Zhetisuthe Silk Road passed. Import items were exhibited: a fragment of copper Iranian dish, Chinese porcelain, a unique piece of porcelain bowl from Japan, silver dish and a pitcher. To the scientific and archaeological reconstructions (installed in the lobby) – reconstruction of archeologically significant syncretic collective images of the ancient inhabitants of Kazakhstan: “Costumes and accessories of woman of Andronovo Culture. 17th-12th centuries BC”(author K.Akishev),” Golden Man. 4th-3rd centuries BC “(on the new version of A.K.Akishev produced by K.Altynbekov)”, “Weaponry and clothes of nobleXiongnu (Hun) warrior. 2nd c. BC –1st century AD”(author A.N.Podushkin) and are of special interest.(Go to the virtual tour)
Hall “Open Fund. Archaeological Gold”
For the first time in the museum’s history of Kazakhstan on the initiative and direct participation of the director of the museum NursanAlimbay created exposition complex an Open Collection has been organized as a new branch of the cultural-educational and scientific-research activity of our museum. Thanks to this, visitors have the opportunity to become familiar with previously unknown treasures of the museum’s collections. A leading place in the exhibition is occupied by the collections of gold articles, reflecting the cultural traditions of tribes from the age of early nomads in Kazakhstan. Among the treasure hoards presented are Zhalauly, Pokrovka and Kargaly. Gold was one of the first metals to be mastered by humans. Its high plasticity, natural nobility and beautiful colour made it one of the fundamental materials for jewellery art. Even when they date from the most distant periods of history, the artistic goldsmith works we see today look just as they did when they were first crafted.
The Zhalauly treasure is a unique example of the jewelry craftsmanship of the Saka people at Zhetysu, dating from the V-III centuries BC. It was discovered in Spring 1988 by school pupils from the village of Zhalauly, Kegen region, Almaty province. More than 600 works of gold were lying in a felt sack. Among the many articles from the hoard, the adornments crafted in the Scythian-Siberian ‘wild animal’ style are of particular interest.
The gold adornments from the second Pokrovka kurgan (excavated: 1911) are examples of the jewelry art of ancient Sauromat people from near the Aral Sea and were excavated in the Aktobe region. More than 20 gold adornments in a rich woman’s grave from the 5th century BC were discovered.
A significant part of the exhibition is taken up by a collection of jewelry items by the Khiva craftsmen of the 19th century early 20th century. These include articles from horse harnesses, show weaponry and women’s jewelry. The pendants and women’s adornments will catch your attention with their wealth of decoration. The brightness, colorfulness and intricate detail in the jewellery adornments, and the multicoloured stones (blue turquoise, brownish-red sard, silver pearl), coloured glass and gilding used in one artefact correspond with the character of the silk and semi-silk fabrics.The exhibition of the hall from now on be constantly updated and added to with rarities and particularly impressive examples from the collections of the museum. Gold from Chirikrabad necropolis (IV – first century AD) and from Kylyshzhar necropolis (III-I century BC) a sample of jewelry art of Saks of Aral Sea region. In the rich burial more than 400 gold products were discovered. Thereare decorative elements of clothes, made in stamping, forging, cutting, twistingtechniques. Plaques of geometric form, plaques in the form of an arch with a figure of a rooster and earringsare of special interest. Kargaly treasure. II – I century BC discovered in 1939, a female burial. Over 300 gold items, made in incrustation style are evidence of the high jewelry art of ancient Wusun. Diadem – an ornament ritual headdress inlaid with turquoise, coral and carnelian, two rings with turquoise, with sculpted figures of Bactrian camels, earring depicting a man and a boar (rats), inlaid withturquoise, carnelian and jasper. A variety of sewn-on plaques in the form of mountain goats tau-teke, cross-shaped plaque, a flower, tree leaves, and others are unique in its design and craftsmanship. The exhibition presents a collection of jewels of the Oriental masters of the XVIII century. Two daggers made of Damascus steel with handles of jade; on the blades epigraphic inscriptions in Arabic and Farsi; sheathed in gold and platinum, inlaid with diamonds and rubies; stiletto; items of horse harness of silver and gold, inlaid with turquoise and carnelian owned by Kazakh elite are of great interest. (Go to the virtual tour)
In 2007, CSM RK successfully implemented the museum project, opened exhibition complex – the Museum of Anthropology hall – author of the idea and the supervisor Nursan Alimbay. The grand opening of the museum took place on 18th May – the day of the celebration of International Museum Day. The event was dedicated to the opening of the museum, attended by all the sponsors who provided financial assistance in the creation of the exposition complex. To the history of mankind formation, stages of formation of the Kazakh people and its ancestors in Kazakhstan for over 40 centuriesare dedicated. Exposure is characterized by multi-aspect, has a high cognitive, aesthetic and emotional impact. Perfection of decor, sky full of stars, a great range of colors makes an unforgettable impression. The extraordinary beauty of the hall gives the purple decor, dioramas, diagrams, maps. A unique collection of archaeological excavations, reflecting on the one hand, the process of formation of the modern man, the origin and settlement of man on Earth. And the other race geneticsand ethnogenetical history of the Kazakhs: the formation and establishment of not only the physical appearance of modern Kazakhs, but also their ethnic and cultural foundations (language, traditions, types of economy, lifestyle and others) are presented. This exhibition is made up of three parts: in the first hall there is a display of maps, diagrams of evolutionary order, a classification of human races and their settlement in the different historical periods, photographs and sculptured depictions of representatives from the three biggest races; in the 
second part is a display of the processes of anthropogenesis and racial genesis, a series of anthropological reconstructions from early man to modern man (Homo sapiens) based on world famous findings, which illustrate the ancient periods of establishment and development of humanity; the third part of the exhibition is based on anthropological materials of the ancient and modern population of Kazakhstan: extensive material is presented showing anthropological investigations of modern Kazakhs, as is unique data on teeth systems, handprints and blood groups.
The anthropological types presented, typical of the population of the steppe region of Eurasia, characterise the racial types of different historical periods.
The most striking impression in this room is given by three wonderful dioramas: ‘Primitive society’, ‘A royal burial at the Berel kurgan’ and ‘Kazakh everyday life in the 19th century as an ethnographical subject’. The dioramas are complemented by diverse and detailed characters and decorations.
Every visitor is welcome to watch a short film in the exhibition, which also helps to bring the distant past to life: Walking with cavemen is dedicated to the history of the evolution of humanity, ‘Fight for survival. Transformation into man’ deals with the several resemblances between man and chimpanzees, and the new documentary film ‘Superman’ shows what we may become in the not-so-distant future and what the human body is capable of! (Go to the virtual tour)
The history of Kazakhstan from the 15thto the early 20th century (renovated in 2008, on the scientific concept headed by the director of the museum Nursan Alimbay) shown in the second exhibition hall – Hall of historical ethnography. The exposition hall is dedicated to the traditional culture, subsistence system, economic and social lifestyle, and spiritual culture of Kazakhs. The hall is divided into two circles – small and large, where placed exposition complexes, allowing to visualize the ethnographic peculiarity of the traditional culture of the Kazakh people. Nomadic type of economic and cultural activities, developed in Kazakhstan for centuries identified the main components of the subsistence system – the housing, utensils, food, clothing, as well as the structure and function of unique arts and crafts, tools, architecture and applied arts. Exposition complexes shows the formation of the first Kazakh khanate, the formation and development of statehood, the struggle of Kazakh tribes against Jungar invaders. Joining of the Kazakh lands to the Russian Empire. Clearly reflects prevailing for centuries the life of the Kazakh people, his philosophical world view, rich material and spiritual culture the ethnographic material widely represented in the hall.The original photographs and documents, rare editions of books, an extensive cartographicalmaterial, household items and national applied art of the Kazakhs, as well as samples of the Kazakh national clothes and carpet you can see in the hall. As a symbol of the traditional Kazakh culture a yurt – kiіz-ui occupies the dominant place of the hall (Go to the virtual tour).
The exposition of the third hall “History of Kazakhstan” is represented by household items, household, clothing, crafts and decorative and applied arts, as well as photographic documents reflecting the history and culture of the people of Kazakhstan. The created figurative exposition complexes introduce the culture of 16 ethnic groups. Of particular interest is the exhibition “Traditional Culture of Koreans”, implemented jointly with the National Museum of Ethnography of South Korea, demonstrating the history and culture of the Korean people.
The hall also has an exposition dedicated to Kazakhstanis who showed heroism at the front and in the rear during the Great Patriotic War. Memorial objects and complexes reveal specific historical events or fragments of the life and work of outstanding personalities.
The exposition section “Rear to the Front” is devoted to the economy, national economy, activities of scientific and cultural institutions that worked during the war in Kazakhstan. Posters, samples of equipment and products produced during the war, photographs, awards, documents, letters and other personal belongings of home front workers are displayed in the showcases. The central place in the thematic complex is devoted to “Science and culture of Kazakhstan during the Great Patriotic War”. The exposition ends with the materials of the Victory Parade and the Circle of Glory, where the names of 510 Kazakhstan Heroes of the Soviet Union are inscribed in gold letters. (Go to the virtual tour).
The exhibition hall “Independent Kazakhstan” at the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan was opened in 1992 following the proclamation of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991. At that time, the museum was under the directorship of R.I. Kosmambetova (1974–1995). This exhibition became the first in Kazakhstan’s museums to be dedicated to the history of the formation of the sovereign state.
The chronological framework of the exhibition covers the period from 1991, when Kazakhstan declared independence, to the present day, reflecting key stages in state-building and national development. The exhibition begins with significant historical documents that solidified Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Among them are the “Declaration on State Sovereignty of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic,” the Law “On Renaming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan,” signed by the First President of the country, as well as the Resolution of the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR on the election of N.A. Nazarbayev as the first President of independent Kazakhstan.
A new exhibition within the hall “Independent Kazakhstan” is dedicated to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev, highlighting his role in the country’s contemporary development. The exhibition includes key materials illustrating his biographical path, political activities, and strategic priorities. The biographical section details Tokayev’s professional career, his contributions to the development of diplomatic services, state governance, and the implementation of large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing Kazakhstan. The texts of the President’s Addresses reflect strategic priorities such as sustainable economic growth, social development, institutional transformations, and the strengthening of national identity. The exhibition emphasizes the significance of the policies pursued, fostering an understanding of current state development trends and providing a comprehensive view of the leader’s role in both national and global contexts.
Significant attention is given to the state symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This section includes the State Emblem, the State Flag, and the National Anthem. It features photographs of the authors of the anthem, legislative acts defining their legal status and usage regulations, as well as other materials illustrating the role of state symbols in national development.
A special section is dedicated to state awards of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which serve as the highest form of recognition of citizens’ merits before the state. According to the Presidential Decree of December 12, 1995, the state awards include the highest distinctions, such as the orders “Otan”, “Dańq”, “Aybyn”, “Parasat”, “Dostyq”, “Qurmet”, as well as medals such as “Erligi úshin”, “Zhauyngerlik erligi úshin”, “Eren enbegi úshin”, and “Shapagat”.
An essential aspect of the country’s economic sovereignty was the introduction of the national currency, the tenge, on November 15, 1993. In 1997, this date was officially declared the Day of the National Currency. The exhibition features samples of banknotes, commemorative coins, and informational materials prepared by the Mint.
The exhibition presents a historical chronicle of the relocation of the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Akmola and the formation of the new administrative center of the state. On July 6, 1994, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a resolution “On the Transfer of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” marking a key stage in the implementation of this strategic decision. Subsequently, on October 20, 1997, a Presidential Decree “On Declaring the City of Akmola the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan” was issued, legally establishing its new status. The final step in the legal formation of the capital’s status was the adoption of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan” on May 20, 1998. The exhibition includes photographic documents depicting the decision-making process on the capital’s relocation, the official presentation of the city of Astana in its new status, as well as symbolic artifacts such as the key and passport of the city of Akmola, underscoring the significance of this event in the country’s history.
The exhibition hall features a section dedicated to the National Guard “Ulan,” showcasing its history, structure, and main functions. The exhibition presents samples of military uniforms, equipment elements, insignia, and photographic materials illustrating the unit’s development stages.
A significant section is devoted to the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. This section includes unique photographs capturing nuclear tests and protest movements, a copy of the historic presidential decree on the closure of the test site, a map of the territory indicating test zones, as well as archival documents highlighting the environmental and health consequences of nuclear testing. The exhibition features eyewitness testimonies, statistical data on the scale of destruction, and materials revealing the international significance of the test site’s closure.
In 2013, on the 20th anniversary of Tengizchevroil LLP, an exhibition was opened to highlight the company’s history and operations. The exhibition covers key milestones in the company’s development, from its foundation and initial exploration activities to contemporary stages characterized by the implementation of advanced technologies and environmentally oriented solutions. The exhibition includes photographic documentary materials, models of industrial facilities, and informational panels reflecting the company’s contribution to Kazakhstan’s economic development, innovative approaches to hydrocarbon extraction, and corporate social responsibility programs. Special attention is given to technological solutions aimed at minimizing environmental impact and the company’s role in international cooperation within the oil and gas sector.
The exhibition also features photographic documentary materials dedicated to the development of science and culture. A separate section is devoted to sports in Kazakhstan, showcasing archival photographs and documents highlighting athletes’ achievements and major sporting events, along with authentic artifacts that reflect their history and contributions to the country’s sporting legacy.
Thus, the exhibition hall “Independent Kazakhstan” presents the main stages of the formation, consolidation, and development of the sovereign state. The introduction of the national currency, the relocation of the capital, the establishment of the state award system, and the formation of national security forces have become significant milestones in strengthening independence. The exhibition materials vividly illustrate key events in the country’s history, emphasizing the fundamental values of national identity and statehood. (Go to the virtual tour).
