Art Gallery of Uzbekistan

The Art Gallery of Uzbekistan is a public art museum in Tashkent dedicated to exhibiting works by Uzbek artists from the early 20th century to the present day. Established in the post-Soviet era to assert cultural autonomy and preserve national artistic heritage, it is one of the most visited modern museums in the country. The institution serves as a key cultural center, combining permanent and rotating exhibitions with educational facilities, and is noted for its comprehensive collection of national visual arts alongside a unique numismatic collection.

The gallery's origins trace to 1994, when President Islam Karimov directed the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan to assemble a dedicated fine art collection. This initiative aimed to preserve and promote Uzbek visual arts free from Soviet-era constraints. Initially functioning as a bank art gallery, the growing collection and mounting public interest necessitated a larger, purpose-built exhibition space. Construction of the modern facility culminated in the gallery opening to the public in August 2004, coinciding with celebrations for Uzbekistan's Independence Day. The institution subsequently evolved from its foundational bank collection into a full-fledged museum and international arts center.

The museum's holdings encompass over 7,000 exhibits, primarily focusing on Uzbek artworks from the pre- and post-independence eras. The fine art collection spans painting, sculpture, graphics, and applied arts from the beginning of the 20th century to contemporary times, tracing the nation's artistic evolution from early 20th century works to modern video installations. Beyond visual arts, the institution holds a distinctive numismatic collection of Central Asian coins from ancient states such as Sogdiana, Bactria, and Khorezm, as well as medieval issues from Mongol, Persian, and Timurid periods, providing insight into the region's historical trade and culture.

The permanent displays emphasize Uzbekistan's prominent contemporary talents through curated surveys of national themes and styles. The fine art collection features works by notable Uzbek artists, including Ural Tansykbaev, whose paintings from the 1930s anchor the historical narrative of the gallery's 20th-century holdings. The collection spans various media and movements, ranging from impressionist-style paintings to modern video installations and traditional Uzbek crafts. Additionally, the ancient and medieval Central Asian coin collection stands out as a signature holding, documenting the region's numismatic history from antiquity through the Timurid era.

The Art Gallery of Uzbekistan operates as a public institution open from Tuesday to Saturday. Operating hours are generally 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though some sources list an 11:00 a.m. opening time, and it remains closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is priced at 50,000 UZS for foreign visitors, though individuals staying in private apartments with valid local registration may access the local rate. Local adult admission is 10,000 UZS, while students and pensioners pay 5,000 UZS. Entry is free for students of art institutions and members of the Creative Association of Artists of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan. The gallery is accessible via the Mustakillik Maydoni or Amir Timur metro stations.