Almaty to open Central Asia’s first children’s science museum
Almaty Children’s Science Museum is in the final stage of preparation and is expected to become a focal point for science education
ALMATY, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Almaty is set to open Central Asia’s first children’s science museum in June, converting a long-neglected site in the city center into a major educational and public space, city officials said.
The Almaty Children’s Science Museum is in the final stage of preparation and is expected to become a focal point for science education and family-oriented activities, according to the city administration.
The project repurposes an area that once housed an underground shopping mall but later fell into disuse. Although children’s playgrounds were added in recent years, the space remained largely disconnected from the city’s public life. Its redevelopment reflects a broader push to revitalize central urban areas through cultural and educational initiatives.
Key elements of the museum’s development were discussed in Singapore with partners Science Centre Singapore and Kingsmen Creatives, both of which contributed to the project’s design and programming.
Project head Maira Turganova said the collaboration includes the transfer of educational expertise and jointly developed exhibits tailored to Kazakhstan’s context.
“Each exhibition has been developed jointly and adapted to Kazakhstan’s context — from the Aral Sea to scientific explanations of how a yurt works. More than 130 educational programs have already been completed,” she said.
Science Centre Singapore, which draws more than one million visitors annually, also operates KidsSTOP, a children’s science facility that served as a model for the Almaty museum.
“We aim to give young people in Kazakhstan the opportunity to learn through play in a structured environment,” said Andrew Tan, CEO of Science Centre Global.
The museum will feature a mix of permanent and temporary interactive exhibits. Permanent galleries will cover engineering, Earth sciences and biomedicine, alongside a Space Station dedicated to astronomy. A separate play-based learning area inspired by KidsSTOP will cater to younger children.
Temporary programming will include science shows, laboratory sessions and classroom-based activities.
Anthony Chong of Kingsmen Creatives said the museum incorporates elements of Kazakhstan’s cultural identity and is designed as an immersive, interactive space that could serve as a model for similar projects internationally.
Officials say the museum is expected to attract families, students and tourists, adding a new landmark to Almaty’s cultural landscape.
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