World-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando officially broke ground on the National Museum of Uzbekistan in Tashkent on August 27th, 2025, marking the beginning of his first major architectural project in Central Asia. The groundbreaking ceremony represents a significant milestone for Uzbekistan's cultural development, as the new institution is scheduled to open in March 2028 and is designed to become the country's premier cultural landmark.
The ambitious project serves as both a civic center and a bridge connecting Uzbekistan's rich heritage with international artistic exchange. Ando's design, which was previewed at the Uzbekistan Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, showcases his signature architectural style by combining clear geometric forms with elements that honor Uzbekistan's traditional architecture. The massive 40,038 square meter building features a distinctive composition of three fundamental shapes: a circle, a square, and a triangle, with exhibition spaces designed by the acclaimed German studio Atelier Brückner.
"By building with these pure forms, I wanted to return to the origins of thought and create a space from which powerful ideas could be sent out into the world," explained Tadao Ando. "I hope that the Museum will serve as a new center of creative expression directed towards the world." His vision emphasizes the museum's role not just as a repository of art, but as an active catalyst for cultural dialogue and creativity.
Strategically positioned in the heart of Tashkent, the National Museum of Uzbekistan sits in a culturally significant location between the historic Abulkasym Madrasa, the Istiqlol Art Palace, and the monument dedicated to Alisher Navoi. This placement allows the new museum to engage in meaningful dialogue with the city's historic architecture while supporting Uzbekistan's goals for cultural renewal and modernization. The project has been commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), reflecting the nation's commitment to placing art and culture at the center of its future development.
The comprehensive facility will house over 8,500 square meters of exhibition space, including both permanent and temporary galleries designed to showcase the museum's extensive collection. Beyond exhibition areas, the complex includes a public library, lecture hall, educational rooms, conservation laboratories, and a multifunctional auditorium capable of hosting various cultural events. Additional amenities such as a rooftop terrace, green zones, bookstore, and café are designed to extend the museum's influence into public life and encourage visitors to spend extended time at the facility.
The museum will house one of Central Asia's largest art collections, comprising more than 100,000 artworks that represent centuries of cultural heritage. Until now, space limitations have meant that only about 2% of this vast collection could be displayed at any given time. The new building will finally resolve this significant limitation, providing adequate space for both large-scale installations and rotating exhibitions that will allow the public to experience the full breadth of the collection over time.
Visitors to the completed museum will encounter an impressive range of artworks spanning Uzbekistan's diverse cultural traditions, as well as significant pieces from East Asia, India, and Europe. Many of these international works have remained hidden from public view due to space constraints, making the new museum's opening particularly significant for art enthusiasts and scholars. The expanded exhibition capacity will enable curators to present comprehensive exhibitions that tell the story of cultural exchange along the historic Silk Road and beyond.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasized the project's national significance, stating: "The National Museum of Uzbekistan reflects our revitalized cultural potential and serves as a vivid expression of our country's noble aspirations to create creative spaces that inspire, unite, and set an example for future generations. It will stand as a majestic symbol of the New Uzbekistan, representing its rich heritage and openness to the world." The museum represents a key component of Uzbekistan's broader cultural renaissance and its efforts to establish itself as a major cultural destination in Central Asia.
