
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
1. Turkmen Carpet Museum
Explore the rich history of Turkmen carpets and weaving techniques.
- Largest Collection: Houses over 12,000 carpets and kilims, making it the world's largest collection
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for a more immersive experience.
- National Pride: Carpets are considered national symbols of Turkmenistan's heritage and craftsmanship
2. Museum of Fine Arts
View an extensive collection of Turkmen art and relics from ancient civilizations.
- Ancient Artifacts: Features artifacts dating back to the Parthian, Sassanid, and Hellenistic periods.
- Architectural Beauty: Set in a beautiful white marble building with intricate carvings.
- Diverse Collection: Includes sculptures, paintings, and traditional crafts from various regions of Turkmenistan
3. Ashgabat National Museum of History
Discover the history and culture of Turkmenistan from prehistoric times to modern day.
- Archaeological Findings: Showcases numerous archaeological findings, including ancient artifacts and mummies.
- Modern History: Dedicated to understanding the modern history of Turkmenistan and its people.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits that make learning about history fun and engaging.
4. Oguzkhan Mausoleum Complex
Visit the impressive mausoleum of Turco-Mongol conqueror Oguz Khan and his family.
- Historic Significance: Believed to be the resting place of Oguz Khan, founder of the Mongol Golden Horde.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features stunning architectural designs with gold-coated domes and intricate carvings.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the history and culture of Turkmenistan
5. Gipchak Sanctuary Museum
Explore the archaeological site where ancient rulers were buried.
- Ancient Burial Site: Features burial sites dating back to the 4th century BC.
- Archaeological Findings: Showcases numerous archaeological findings, including gold artifacts and mummies.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the history and culture of ancient Turkmenistan
6. Ertogrul Gazy Mosque
Visit the largest mosque in Central Asia with beautiful architecture and intricate tile work.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features stunning architectural designs, including nine minarets symbolizing the nine tribes of Turkmenistan.
- Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful and spiritual experience for visitors.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the religious and cultural aspects of Turkmenistan
7. National Museum of Turkmenistan
Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Turkmenistan.
- Comprehensive Collection: Features a comprehensive collection of artifacts, including prehistoric fossils, ancient coins, and traditional clothing.
- Architectural Beauty: Set in a beautiful white marble building with intricate carvings.
- Cultural Understanding: Provides a deep understanding of the culture and history of Turkmenistan
8. Independence Park Museum Complex
Visit the museum complex dedicated to Turkmenistan's independence and national heroes.
- National Pride: Dedicated to understanding the struggle for and achievement of Turkmenistan's independence.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features stunning architectural designs, including marble sculptures and gold-coated domes.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the history and culture of modern Turkmenistan
9. Ashgabat National Museum of Applied Art
Explore traditional crafts and applied art from various regions of Turkmenistan.
- Traditional Crafts: Features examples of traditional crafts, including carpets, embroidery, and pottery.
- Cultural Understanding: Provides a deep understanding of the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits that demonstrate traditional crafting techniques.
10. Garabogazköl Bay State Museum
Learn about the unique geological features and ecosystem of the Garabogazköl Bay.
- Geological Wonders: Features a salt lake that changes its area depending on the water level.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Supports unique ecosystems, including flamingos and other rare bird species.
- Scientific Research: Serves as a research center for geologists and ecologists studying the area.
11. Ashgabat City Circuit Museum
Learn about the history, development, and racing events at Ashgabat's race track.
- Racing History: Dedicated to the history of motorsports in Turkmenistan.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features a unique and modern architectural design.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits that showcase racing events and technologies.
12. Archaeological Park of Nisa
Explore the ancient city of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ancient City Ruins: Features ruins dating back to the Parthian Empire.
- Archaeological Findings: Showcases numerous archaeological findings, including frescoes, statues, and mosaics.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the history and culture of ancient Turkmenistan
13. Ashgabat Art Gallery
View contemporary art exhibitions by local and international artists.
- Contemporary Art: Features contemporary art from both local and international artists.
- Artistic Diversity: Provides a diverse range of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- Cultural Understanding: Offers insights into the contemporary art scene and cultural trends in Turkmenistan
14. Turkmenbashi Mosque and Ruhy Mosque
Visit two stunning mosques with beautiful architecture and intricate tile work.
- Architectural Masterpieces: Features stunning architectural designs, including intricate tile work.
- Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful and spiritual experience for visitors.
- Cultural Landmark: An essential stop for understanding the religious and cultural aspects of Turkmenistan
15. Ashgabat National Museum of Natural History
Learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of Turkmenistan.
- Natural Wonders: Features exhibits on the diverse ecosystems and wildlife found in Turkmenistan.
- Geological Displays: Includes displays on the geology of Turkmenistan, including fossils and minerals.
- Educational Experience: Provides an educational experience for visitors interested in natural history.