The National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex Sulayman stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the region. However, it also stands out for one more thing. It is located in the side of a mountain! It looks just like a Hollywood movie villain’s hideout. This cave museum design is something very unusual and makes the museum much more interesting. The museum was established in 1949 as Osh Regional Museum. Current version of the museum building however is from the Soviet era in 1978. It was built in celebration of the 3,000th anniversary of the city of Osh. It was carved inside the Sulayman Mountain. Which is a mountain that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
The design of the Sulayman Museum Complex draws inspiration from the brutalist philosophy of the USSR. Which makes sense since it is from that era. Concrete is one of the dominant aesthetics of the building. It even has a huge concrete arch. It is also one of the largest museums in Kyrgyzstan. The unique museum design includes more than 33,000 pieces of archaeological and ethnographic facts. Alongside with pieces of ancient art and more.
Inside of the museum Credit: Time Travel Turtle
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Fergana Valley, the Sulayman Museum Complex is not just an architectural gem. We could also say that it is also a celebration of the natural beauty that defines the region. We could also say that it is a brutalist architecture with its plain, cold look from the outside. Osh, where the building is located, with its rich history, has been a crossroads for various civilizations and cultures, contributing to a unique tapestry of traditions. The cave museum complex aims to encapsulate this diversity and tell the story of the region through its exhibits and architectural elements…
A view from the mountain Credit: Time Travel Turtle
Inside of the museum Credit: Time Travel Turtle
