A museum is the spiritual memory of a people, a treasury connecting the nation’s past and present. Over the last twenty years, the “Museum Night” event, held continuously in the country’s museums, has gained great popularity. Major museums and regional exhibition centers across the country have turned this day into a large cultural celebration that brings the public closer to the museum. On the eve of this year’s “Museum Night,” we spoke with Serzhan Sarov, Acting Director of the State Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, to learn about the significance of this large-scale project and its educational impact on youth.
— Serzhan Barakhanuly, the “Museum Night” event has become a major cultural celebration over almost a quarter of a century, starting originally at the State Central Museum. Could you briefly reflect on the project’s history and present?
— Yes, that’s right. A unique project occupying a prominent place in the global cultural space has long existed in other countries’ experience. However, it was Nurzan Alimbay, the well-known scholar and longtime head of this Central Museum, who initiated the establishment of the “Museum Night” event in our country. Thanks to his idea, the meaningful initiative that started in 2006 became known throughout the country. “Museum Night” is not just a simple tour, but a moment to converse with history and embrace national values. During this night, the museum lights up and visitors are offered a special format. Masterclasses, theatrical performances, concerts, and exhibitions of rare artifacts are presented. Open dialogue spaces with scholars and historians provide invaluable opportunities for conversation. Such events are especially important for young people because they begin to perceive the museum not just as an official institution but as a modern cultural space for spiritual exploration and exchange of ideas. This is one way to revive national consciousness and historical memory. The Ministry of Culture and Information provides strong support to expand the project. The upcoming event is evidence of that.
— As the pioneer of this project in our country, what new surprises will the State Central Museum offer visitors this year?
— This year, the event’s theme is “Museum – Keeper of History: The Role of the Museum in Contemporary Society.” The theme aims to clarify the museum’s place in a society adapting to social, technological, and environmental changes. Specifically, “Museum Night – 2025” covers two main directions: “Museum – the Hearth of Spirituality” and “Heroism and Nationhood – Twins.” Without honoring the past, one cannot embark on the future. Therefore, several large exhibitions will be organized dedicated to significant events in our history and the anniversaries of great national figures. Among them are the 190th anniversary of Shokan Ualikhanov, the 100th anniversary of Nurgisa Tlendiyev celebrated by UNESCO, and events devoted to prominent Kazakh musicologists Akhmet and Gaziza Zhubanov. The event will also include the “Museum Procession” with participation from memorial museums dedicated to World War II heroes Manshuk Mametova and Boran Nysanbayev, and a unique exhibition from the Shokan Ualikhanov Memorial Museum (Zhetysu region, Altyn Emel). Exhibitions under the “Museum – the Hearth of Spirituality” theme are also expected to attract broad interest. For example, the “Echo of Inspiration” exhibition will honor the anniversary dates of famous artists and cultural figures such as M. Kenbayev, H. Nauryzbayev, V.I. Antoshchenko-Olenev, N. Tsivchinsky, E. Sidorkin, and E. Sergebaev, encouraging renewed reflection on their spiritual heritage and life lessons. The personal exhibition “Spirit of Nomads” by Atyrau artist Yulia Proskura is also thematically selected. The “Writing Letters…” exhibition, based on rare museum letters and manuscripts, will display various examples of correspondence through the ages, including postage stamps, postcards, and envelopes. Communication devices such as the Morse apparatus and typewriters will complement the display. Original and copied letters from intellectuals like Sh. Ualikhanov, A. Kunanbayev, A. Margulan, M. Auezov, and S. Mukanov, as well as letters from ordinary people to E. Omirzakov, I. Esenberlin, and M. Gabdullin, will be exhibited. The main exhibition of the evening will be “Jewels of Artifacts!” It will present rare and unique exhibits preserved outside the museum’s permanent exposition, available only during “Museum Night,” which will surely captivate visitors.
— You mentioned earlier about promoting scientific and educational heritage in a modern way. To keep the audience engaged, what interesting programs have you prepared in this direction?
— Your question is timely. This year’s program is quite rich in this area as well. Several musical, educational, and entertaining programs are planned. For example, a classical music concert from the state collection of rare wind instruments will be held. Melodies from instruments made by renowned masters like Guarneri and Stradivari will enrich the evening. The memorial museums of Akhmet and Gaziza Zhubanov and Nurgisa Tlendiyev will present their artifacts. The museum’s scientific library will organize a book exhibition titled “Development of the Education System.” A book exhibition-fair by the “Family Reader” public foundation will also be held. Additionally, on the International Museum Day, the Cultural Representation under the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty will present the exhibition “Traditional Culture and Art of Iran.” Guests can admire Persian calligraphy and visual art works and meet Iranian masters (Mrs. Nafisa Orudji from Isfahan, Maryam Jafari, and Mr. Hossein Khushbaten) to get closer to the country’s cultural values. Together with the “Happy Place” brand, modern art items based on museum artifacts (postcards, stickers, gift wrapping papers) will be offered. Interactive and educational programs include masterclasses by artisans and museum restorers, scientific interactive sessions, quest games, quizzes, and competitions for children and teenagers. The evening will culminate in a rich concert program with participation of famous national artists. Thus, “Museum Night – 2025” promises to be an important cultural event that combines culture and history, providing visitors with a unique spiritual experience, bright emotions, and an unforgettable evening.
— You said that “Museum Night” is not just a campaign but a meaningful project. What lessons does it impart to the public?
— “Museum Night” is a vivid example of bringing the nation’s history closer to the hearts of today’s generation. It teaches respect for the past and confidence in the future. Thus, it is not just a one-day event but a long-lasting and effective school of national education and historical awareness. The project gradually stimulates the development of domestic tourism. In particular, the fact that major museums in Astana and Almaty operate until midnight increases the interest of residents and city guests. People come with their families and friends, turning the evening into a cultural leisure activity. This trend reflects the intertwined growth of spirituality and family values.
— The State Central Museum has been granted national status by Presidential decree. Will this change the museum’s operations? What steps are being taken in this direction?
— At the fourth session of the National Kurultai, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for the modernization and systematic promotion of our historical and cultural heritage, as well as special attention to restoring historical monuments and developing the museum sector. In this regard, the State Central Museum has implemented many scientific activities over the last twenty years. These were not idle years: numerous scientific publications, monographs, and encyclopedias have been published. In the past year alone, about 300 events were organized. The national status will facilitate our transition to a modern advanced system. Under the leadership of Minister of Culture and Information Aida Galymqyzy, a new concept is being developed. Within this framework, the museum’s exhibition halls will be equipped with the latest technologies and converted to digital systems. Advanced European practices will be adopted. The collection will continue to be replenished, existing artifacts studied in depth, and the scope of scientific research expanded.
— Thank you for the conversation!
