17.07.2026

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the presentation of projects and events aimed at developing culture and the arts, preserving national heritage, and promoting it on the international stage.

The presentation began with plans to present Uzbekistan's archaeological and scientific heritage, as well as works of applied art, at leading foreign museums and exhibition venues.

In particular, the exhibition "Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion" is planned to be held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha in September 2026, while the international archaeological exhibition "Global Antiquity," featuring unique exhibits from Uzbekistan, is scheduled to open at the Prada Foundation in Milan in November 2026. In 2027, over 200 archaeological exhibits reflecting the history of Uzbekistan from the Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages will be displayed at Palazzo Grimani in Venice and the Nara National Museum in Japan. At Palazzo Reale in Milan, more than 150 exhibits, including examples of gold embroidery, suzane, ikat, jewelry, and applied art, will be presented.

Plans were also presented for holding an exhibition in Florence dedicated to the life and scientific legacy of Abu Ali ibn Sina, as well as for implementing joint projects with leading cultural institutions in Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

Particular attention was given to the restoration of cultural heritage sites. A branch of the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan is planned to be established at the Romanov Palace. The historical appearance of the complex will be preserved, and a permanent exhibition comprising approximately 300 items will be created.

At the Mukhtar Ashrafi House Museum, the facade and historic interiors of the building are being restored, while the exhibition is being updated. The museum will be equipped with modern engineering systems, security and climate control systems, multimedia equipment, and a recording studio.

The presentation also reviewed the results and future plans for staging the opera "Tamerlano" at prestigious international venues.

This year, "Tamerlano" was staged at Dubai Opera, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, and the Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles. In Stefano Poda's production, Georg Friedrich Handel's music was interpreted by Kirill Richter using Uzbek national musical instruments. The project brought together the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, a choir, a folk instruments orchestra, and renowned soloists.

In March 2027, "Tamerlano" is scheduled to be staged at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York. This will provide an opportunity to showcase the high potential of Uzbek opera and the national performing school to international audiences.

The presentation also reviewed the establishment of a unified system for organizing major concerts, festivals, competitions, and exhibitions. It was proposed to establish a National Operator of Cultural Projects under the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, based on the Directorate of International Festivals, a state institution under the Ministry of Culture.

The National Operator will be responsible for organizing major international events and promoting them abroad, arranging concerts featuring renowned performers, and preparing the International Music Festival "Sharq Taronalari."

On June 8 this year, renowned singer John Legend performed at Registan Square in Samarkand. In August and September, renowned pianist Lang Lang is scheduled to give concerts on the Great Wall of China in Beijing and at Registan Square, respectively. In October, composer Max Richter is scheduled to perform at the Palace of International Forums "Uzbekistan" in Tashkent.

The presentation also included the results of Uzbekistan's participation in major international cultural events held this year in Venice and Milan.

At the 61st Venice Art Biennale, Uzbekistan is represented by its national pavilion featuring the project "The Aural Sea." The project explores the Aral Sea and Karakalpakstan through the prism of memory, myths, and stories. The pavilion has already attracted more than 60,000 visitors.

As part of the biennale, a solo exhibition by Uzbek artist Vyacheslav Akhunov, titled "Instruments of the Mind," is also being held at Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti. It features more than 200 works created by the artist from the 1970s to the present day. The exhibition has already attracted more than 12,000 visitors from over 30 countries.

At the national pavilion "When the Apricot Blooms," presented as part of Milan Design Week 2026, collaborative works by 12 international designers and 12 artisans from Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan are on display. The Uzbekistan pavilion received a special mention from the jury of the Fuorisalone Award 2026. It attracted over 18,000 visitors, while international media coverage of the project reached 171 million.

Events and projects of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation planned for 2026–2027 were also discussed.

The Aral Cultural Summit will take place in Nukus from September 11 to 13. Representatives of culture, science, architecture, design, and ecology will discuss sustainable development in the Aral Sea region. In January 2027, a new season of the international program "Aral School," dedicated to the climate and landscape of the Aral Sea basin, will begin.

As part of updating the repertoire of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theatre of Uzbekistan, plans for new productions of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot" and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" were also considered. Leading national and international directors, conductors, choreographers, and production specialists are expected to be involved in these projects.

As part of Bukhara biennale 2027, plans include the restoration of cultural heritage sites, the improvement of historic areas and public spaces, and the preparation of exhibition venues. More than 50 foreign artists and designers, along with over 300 representatives of Uzbekistan's creative industries, are expected to participate in the biennale.

Proposals were also considered for participation in Milan Design Week and Art Basel, holding the international conference "Art for Tomorrow," expanding cooperation with Qatar Museums in crafts and design, and establishing an art residency and an international jewelry school in Bukhara.

The Head of State instructed responsible officials to ensure the thorough preparation of these projects, maintain strict oversight of the quality of restoration work, ensure a harmonious combination of national traditions and modern approaches, and enhance the practical effectiveness of international cultural cooperation.

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