On August 27, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev laid the foundation stone for the construction of the National Museum of Uzbekistan.

Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its national identity and laid the groundwork for numerous noble initiatives. As in previous years, this year’s Independence Day is also marked by significant developments, and one such historic event is the commencement of the new National Museum project.

During his visit to the construction site, the President was briefed on the project’s design, features, and construction stages.

Under the auspices of the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts, the museum was designed by Japan’s Tadao Ando Architect & Associates and Germany’s Atelier Brückner. The architectural concept of the exterior combines circles, squares, and triangles, symbolizing the harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. The complex will include a three-story museum, a two-level underground floor, and auxiliary facilities, and will be built by China’s CSCEC International Construction.

A ceremony dedicated to the construction of the museum was held in the capital, bringing together cultural and artistic figures, scholars, writers, elders, and members of the public near the Uzbekistan National Park.

“Alongside development in every sphere, we are also working to revive our values. We are building major complexes such as the Center of Islamic Civilization, the Imam Bukhari Complex, and the Olympic Town. The main purpose behind these projects is that they should remain as a lasting heritage for our people. Today, we are beginning another historic project — the construction of the Uzbekistan National Museum. This museum will become a center of knowledge and culture that conveys our three-thousand-year-old rich history to our people, to the international community, and to future generations,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Currently, more than one million exhibits are preserved in Tashkent’s 30 museums. At the State Art Museum alone, 100,000 items are kept, but only 2,400 are on display. Due to limited exhibition space, more than 97,000 pieces remain in storage.

“These unique works of art, reflecting the cultures of Central Asia, China, Japan, India, and Europe, are an invaluable treasure not only for us but for all humanity. Preserving them, passing them intact to future generations, and showcasing them to the world as a testament to our country’s rich history and culture is our sacred duty,” the President emphasized.

The new museum, the first of its kind in Uzbekistan, will cover 40,000 square meters. It will feature exhibition halls, a library, restoration laboratories, and storage facilities, all equipped with modern amenities.

The project will enable the display of historical artifacts and artworks – both ancient and modern – currently dispersed across various museums in the capital, in a single location. The museum will be able to exhibit up to 10,000 items at once.

Additionally, 4,000 square meters will be allocated for conference halls, auditoriums, restaurants, and children’s playgrounds.

Once operational, the museum will form a unified architectural ensemble together with the Abulqosim Madrasa, the Palace of Friendship of Peoples, and the Uzbekistan National Park. It is expected to become a thematic tourism destination for both residents and international visitors.

In the future, the National Museum will cooperate with leading institutions such as the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum, bringing in unique exhibits and organizing joint exhibitions.

I am confident that the new complex will vividly demonstrate the role of our country in world history and civilization. It will serve the people not for one year or even a decade, but for many generations,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the end of his speech.

Afterwards, the Head of our State laid a capsule in the foundation of the complex and officially launched the construction.