The State Museum of Applied Arts is located at 15 Rakatboshi Street in the Yakkasaroy District of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It is housed in the former mansion of Alexander Polovtsev, a Russian diplomat and tsarist official who built the house in the early 20th century, in a style that blends Russian architectural ideas with Bukharan and Khivan decorative traditions. The museum was established in the 1930s and moved into the mansion, and it is now one of the city's most attractive museum buildings.
The interiors are as much an exhibit as the collections. Rooms feature carved and painted ceilings, plasterwork (ganch), tilework and decorative wooden panelling made by master craftsmen from Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. The decorative scheme was assembled in the early 20th century, and the building is regarded as a showcase of regional workmanship.
The collection covers the 19th and 20th centuries and includes suzani embroidery, silk and ikat textiles, ceramics from Rishtan, Gijduvan and Samarkand, wood carving, metalwork, jewellery, carpets and musical instruments. Displays are arranged thematically and by craft or region, with rooms dedicated to ceramics, embroidery, woodwork and costume. Items show how patterns, colours and techniques differed from one city to another.
The building has been restored in recent decades, and its condition is generally good, though some rooms show wear. Labels are provided in Uzbek and English in places, and guides can explain symbolism in the textiles and ceramics. Photography costs extra. The museum shop sells crafts and books. A visit usually takes about one to one and a half hours, and the museum is in a quiet residential district, so it makes a calm contrast to the central squares.
| Admission | Reported about 40,000-60,000 UZS (about $3.30-5); photography costs extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 09:00-17:00 (ticket office closes at 17:00; listings vary) |
| Address | 15 Rakatboshi Street, Yakkasaroy District, Tashkent |
Why it matters
The museum occupies the former house of a Russian diplomat built in the early 20th century and preserves Uzbekistan's craft traditions of suzani, ceramics and carved wood. It is a key record of regional artisan heritage.
Location
15 Rakatboshi Street, Yakkasaroy District, Tashkent
41.3010, 69.2596 View on map
Highlights
- Polovtsev mansion with carved ceilings, ganch plasterwork and tilework
- Suzani embroidery and ikat textiles from across Uzbekistan
- Regional ceramics from Rishtan, Gijduvan and Samarkand
- Carved wood, metalwork and jewellery displays
Tips for visiting
- Photography costs extra, so pay at the ticket desk if planning to take pictures.
- The ticket office closes at 17:00, so arrive by mid-afternoon.
- Look up at the ceilings as well as into the cases, as the interiors are part of the collection.
- The museum shop is a good place to buy authentic crafts at fixed prices.
- Official information is available at new.muzeyart.uz.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quiet. It is an indoor venue, so it suits both hot summer afternoons and winter days.
Accessibility
The historic mansion has steps and narrow doorways, so wheelchair access is limited and assistance may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About one to one and a half hours covers the mansion rooms and main collections.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Some labels are in English, and guides can be arranged at the museum for fuller explanations.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, older children interested in textiles and crafts will enjoy it, though the objects are delicate.
Is there a museum shop?
Yes, the shop sells crafts, textiles and books related to the collection.