Palace of Sports and Culture, named after Baluan Sholak

Location: Abai Avenue, 44.

What’s interesting about it?

This sports and cultural complex is one of the largest ice arenas in Kazakhstan, and it has remained a significant facility in Almaty since Soviet times. This impressive Art Nouveau structure was built in 1967 under the direction of architect Vladimir Katsev.

International, all-union, and republican competitions in boxing, basketball, and karate were held here, as were performances by pop and ballet artists on ice, international exhibitions, and republican fairs.

What kind of entertainment is there?

Mass sports and cultural events, including wrestling and mixed martial arts tournaments and concerts, are still taking place in the Sports Palace.

When you visit this place, we definitely recommend walking around the building. Huge decorative panels created by artists Oleg Bogomolov and Evgeny Sidorkin are well-preserved. One composition shows track and field athletes, a weightlifter, volleyball players, gymnasts in motion, and a biathlete. Another composition depicts winter sports like hockey and figure skating.

When is the best time to visit?

You can visit the Sports Palace at any time of the year. In winter, public skating takes place here on Saturday and Sunday. Sessions start at 1 p.m. and end at 8.40 p.m.