Nestled deep within the Republic of Karakalpakstan, stands a remarkable gem—a private museum honoring Central Asian history, culture, and most important of all, the extraordinary lives and love of Amet and Ayimkhan Shamuratov. A couple whose journey led them from the humble countryside to the stages of city capitals and into the minds and hearts of the nation.

Renowned as the people’s writer and actress, their names have been treasured as darlings of the Soviet Union and beyond.

Preserved meticulously by their descendants, the museum stands as a testament, housing a treasury of archives—a visual odyssey spanning a century, encapsulating the essence of

Karakalpak life and culture. Unique relics are on display, from Stalin’s telegrams to century-old photographs. Ayimkhan, revered for her soulful voice and captivating performances, remains immortalized in antique Karakalpak artifacts, clothing, and jewelry—a splendid, safeguarded legacy of a bygone era.

A portal through time, the Shamuratov Museum immerses visitors in the life of the Karakalpak people from their nomadic roots, to the dawn of the USSR and its eventual dissolution. Located steps away from the Jipek Joli Hotel, Ayimkhan Museum invites you from one porch to another, into the captivating realm of old Karakalpakstan.

Guests flock to Nukus for the renowned Savitsky Museum. Much like the Louvre or the

Hermitage, the Savitsky stands as a monumental brand in its own right, housing Central Asian treasures once scattered across the Karakalpak desert.

Born out of a tumultuous seventy-year reign of totalitarianism that stifled avant-garde art in the USSR, leaving countless artists in despair without a platform to showcase or sell their work,

artist and founder Igor Savitsky sought refuge in Karakalpakstan. Enamored by its culture and

history, his vision birthed the museum as an ethnographic collection, amassing an astonishing array of antique artifacts reflecting the Karakalpak people’s craftsmanship.

At his own risk, Igor salvaged persecuted avant-garde artworks, amassing a vast collection by the 1960’s. Nukus’s remoteness sheltered his endeavor, fostering an extraordinary collection

showcasing the Russian avant-garde. This unique museum evolved into an art haven, nurturing Karakalpakstan’s remarkable artistry and birthing an exceptional local art movement.

Today, the Savitsky Museum stands unparalleled globally, requiring days for an art enthusiast to fully appreciate. Visitors return repeatedly, drawn to its vast storage and ever-evolving

exhibitions, where each stroke of paint and every sculpted form stands as a testament to Igor Savitsky’s profound love and commitment to Karakalpak heritage.

Located next to Jipek Joli Hotel, Karakalpakstan’s Museum of History and Culture stands as a mesmerizing terracotta monument. Crafted by a renowned local architect, this marvel allures with its external splendor, offering visitors an enticing glimpse into what lies within:

• Vast art gallery showcasing Karakalpak artists
• Ethnographic depiction of Karakalpak life, a grand yurt, and cart installation
• Exquisite collection of ancient Karakalpak jewelry
• Traditional garments and antique household articles
• Unparalleled woodwork
• Miniature models of ancient citadels housing archaeological marvels
• A treasure trove showcasing the flora and fauna of Karakalpakstan
• An archive brimming with historic photographs
• A tribute to legendary historical figures and their legacies