Museum of the ancient hilltop city of Afrasiab with Sogdian wall paintings from the 7th century.
The Afrosiyab Museum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, stands on the ancient hilltop city of Afrasiab, the pre-Mongol Samarkand that was destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1220. The museum's centrepiece is a set of 7th-century Sogdian wall paintings discovered in 1965 in what is believed to be the palace of the Sogdian king Varkhuman, showing an embassy of foreign delegations, a procession and hunting scenes. Display cases hold ceramics, coins, terracotta figurines, glass and jewellery excavated from the site, and a model shows the layout of the lost city. Walks along the surrounding earth mounds give a sense of the scale of the old settlement. Visitors typically spend 45-60 minutes. The museum is a few minutes by taxi from Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, making a compact morning of ancient and medieval Samarkand. Explanatory panels are provided in English and Russian, and a modest charge is made for taking photographs inside.
| Admission | About 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 09:00-17:00 |
| Typical visit | 45-60 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday morning |
| Getting there | Taxi about 12,000-15,000 UZS (~$1-1.25) from the Registan; short ride from Shah-i-Zinda |
| Address | Afrosiyab Museum, Afrosiyob Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
Location
Afrosiyab Museum, Afrosiyob Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
39.6694, 66.9933 View on map
Highlights
- 7th-century Sogdian wall paintings of Varkhuman's palace
- Artefacts from the pre-Mongol city of Afrasiab
- Model of old Samarkand
- Walks across the ancient earth mounds
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugh Beg Observatory in one morning.
- Allow 45-60 minutes; the wall paintings are the main reason to visit.
- Check whether photography inside needs a separate fee.
- Wear walking shoes if you plan to stroll the mounds.
- Buy tickets at the museum counter.
When to visit
Weekday mornings; the museum is usually quiet.
Accessibility
The museum is mostly at ground level with ramps at the entrance; the outer mounds have uneven ground and are not suitable for wheelchairs.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main exhibit?
The 7th-century Sogdian wall paintings from the palace of King Varkhuman.
How much is the ticket?
Typically about 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors.
How long does a visit take?
45 to 60 minutes.
Is it far from Shah-i-Zinda?
No, a few minutes by taxi.