Museum of Applied Arts

Overview

The Museum of Applied Arts showcases Uzbekistan's extraordinary craft traditions — suzani embroidery, hand-knotted carpets, carved wood, ceramics, and gold-thread weaving — all displayed in a magnificent 19th-century diplomat's residence.

Highlights

• Suzani Gallery: Stunning silk embroideries from Bukhara, Shahrisabz, and Nurata, some over 200 years old.
• The Building Itself: The residence of Tsarist-era diplomat Polovtsev, with carved ganch plaster ceilings and painted wooden panels.
• Ikat Textiles: Vibrant adras and atlas fabrics using the traditional abr-bandi (cloud-tying) dyeing technique.

History

The house was built in 1907 for the Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev and decorated by the finest Uzbek craftsmen. After the revolution, it became a museum in 1927. The building's interiors are considered some of the finest examples of early 20th-century Uzbek decorative arts.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Don't rush — the building's interiors are as much the attraction as the exhibits.
• Tip 2: Closed Sundays. Entry is ~25,000 UZS.
• Duration: 45 min–1 hour.