The Savitsky Museum

The Travel Pages visits the Savitsky Museum in Uzbekistan, also known as the Karakalpak State Museum of Art, in the city of Nukus, 500 miles west of Tashkent.

The Savitsky Museum was opened in 1966 and is named after I.V. Savitsky, a Russian artist and art collector and is also known more simply as the Nukus Museum.

The Savitsky Museum

Founder: The museum is named after Igor Vitalyevich Savitsky, a Russian artist and art collector who played a crucial role in establishing the museum’s collection. Savitsky arrived in Nukus in 1950 and began collecting thousands of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and artifacts, primarily from the Soviet era.
Collection: The Savitsky Museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of Russian avant-garde art and Uzbekistani modern art in the world. The collection includes works by artists such as Alexander Volkov, Alexander Nikolaev, Mikhail Kurzin, Ural Tansykbaev, and many others. The museum’s focus on unconventional and marginalized art forms sets it apart from traditional art institutions. In total there are about 90,000 items in the various collections.
Russian Avant-Garde: The museum’s collection of Russian avant-garde art is particularly noteworthy, featuring works from the early 20th century by artists associated with movements such as Suprematism, Constructivism, and Futurism. These artworks were often suppressed or censored by Soviet authorities but found a safe haven in Nukus under Savitsky’s stewardship. It’s the second-largest collection of this kind of art after the Russian Museum in St Petersburg.
Uzbek Modern Art: In addition to Russian avant-garde art, the Savitsky Museum also showcases a significant collection of modern art from Uzbekistan, including paintings, sculptures, and applied arts. These works offer insights into Uzbekistan’s artistic evolution and cultural identity during the Soviet era and beyond.
Exhibitions and Events: The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events to promote artistic exchange and dialogue. It collaborates with other institutions and artists both nationally and internationally to showcase its collection and foster appreciation for Central Asian art.
Facilities: The museum complex includes multiple buildings housing exhibition spaces, galleries, storage facilities, conservation studios, and administrative offices. The main building underwent extensive renovation and expansion in the early 2000s to accommodate the growing collection and improve visitor facilities.
Recognition: The Savitsky Museum has gained international recognition for its unique collection and contribution to the preservation and promotion of Central Asian art. It has been featured in documentaries, books, and media outlets, drawing attention to the importance of cultural heritage preservation in the region. It was called ‘one of the most outstanding museums of the world’ by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, and one French magazine described it as the Louvre of the Steppes.

Overall, the Savitsky Museum in Nukus stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Igor Savitsky and serves as a cultural treasure trove celebrating the diversity and creativity of Central Asian art.