Building of the Kazakhstan National Academy of Sciences
Location: Square of Shevchenko, Pushkin, Kurmangazy, and Kunaev streets.
What’s interesting about it?
According to the plan of the great scientist Kanysh Satpayev, the building of the National Academy of Sciences was supposed to reflect the greatness of human thought and the scale of science’s challenges in the republic. Since 1957, leading Kazakh scientific organizations have been operating there. This academy is one of the major architectural monuments and one of the first places where tourists can start their acquaintance with Almaty.
What kind of entertainment is there?
You can admire the unique architecture of the buildings there. The complex consists of two buildings. The first one is the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences (1957) on Shevchenko Street, and the second one is the “House of Scientists” on Kurmangazy Street (1981). Both of them can be distinguished by their rich decor, columns, and ornaments. Cozy squares with monuments to the writer Alexander Pushkin, scientist Shokan Ualikhanov, and archaeologist Alkey Margulan are on three sides of the Academy of Sciences. In 1980, a beautiful decorative fountain, “Oriental Calendar,” was installed in the park, created by the famous artist Vladimir Tverdokhlebov, architect Vladimir Katsev and sculptor Alexander Tatarinov. This project was recognized as the best in the field of park sculpture, and the fountain is still iconic for the city
The National Academy of Sciences has museums of archaeology, nature, the history of Kazakhstan science, and rare books. The renovation should be completed in 2024. The reconstruction of the facade of the academy building is planned to be completed by the end of this year.
When is the best time to visit?
Cozy squares and alleys around the National Academy of Sciences are perfect places for walking and relaxing at any time of the year.