Bukhara Museums
Museums in Bukhara
Bukhara, one of the most well-preserved cities on the Silk Road, is home to magnificent architectural monuments and rich museum collections. The city's museums offer a glimpse into its Islamic heritage, trade history, arts, and local traditions.
List of Bukhara Museums with general information, photos and contacts:
1. Ark Fortress Museum
- Location: Ark Citadel, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $4 - $6
- Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Highlights:
- Ancient royal fortress, serving as the residence of Bukhara's emirs
- Showcases military history, court life, and Bukhara’s governance
- Includes the Juma Mosque, throne room, and dungeons
2. Bukhara State Museum of Art and History
- Location: Ark Fortress, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $3 - $5
- Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Highlights:
- Houses over 100,000 artifacts, including archaeological finds, textiles, and jewelry
- Rare collection of Islamic calligraphy, manuscripts, and Persian miniatures
- Coin collection from different Silk Road civilizations
3. Samanid Mausoleum Museum
- Location: Samanid Park, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $4
- Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Highlights:
- Dedicated to the 9th-10th century Samanid dynasty
- One of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture
- Contains exhibits on Samanid history and burial traditions
4. Museum of Metal Chasing (Abdullakhan Madrasah)
- Location: Abdullakhan Madrasah, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $3
- Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Highlights:
- Showcases Bukhara’s ancient metalwork tradition
- Collection of handcrafted copper, brass, and silver items
- Live demonstrations by local artisans
5. Museum of the History of Bukhara Water Supply (Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum)
- Location: Chashma-Ayub Complex, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $4
- Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Highlights:
- Explores Bukhara’s historical water system and irrigation
- Features the legendary well of Prophet Job (Ayub)
- Ancient water distribution maps and hydrological studies
6. Bukhara Puppet Museum
- Location: Near Lyabi Hauz, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $4
- Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Highlights:
- Dedicated to Uzbekistan’s centuries-old puppet theater tradition
- Collection of handmade puppets depicting historical and mythical characters
- Live puppet shows and storytelling performances
7. Museum of Carpets and Embroidery (Magoki-Attori Mosque)
- Location: Magoki-Attori Mosque, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $4
- Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Highlights:
- Collection of handwoven Uzbek carpets, suzani, and silk embroidery
- Exhibits on traditional carpet weaving techniques
- One of the oldest mosques in Central Asia, dating back to the Zoroastrian era
8. Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum
- Location: 2 Fayzulla Khodjaev Street, Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: $2 - $3
- Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Highlights:
- Former residence of Fayzulla Khodjaev, a reformist politician of Soviet Uzbekistan
- Preserved traditional 19th-century Bukhara mansion with luxurious interiors
- Displays on Bukharan aristocracy, daily life, and Soviet-era politics
9. Bakhauddin Naqshband Mausoleum Museum
- Location: Naqshband Complex, 12 km from Bukhara
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Highlights:
- Sacred Sufi pilgrimage site of Bahouddin Naqshband, founder of the Naqshbandi order
- Museum about Sufism and its influence on Central Asian Islam
- Peaceful gardens and spiritual retreat for pilgrims
Conclusion
Bukhara's museums offer an immersive experience into the city's Islamic heritage, Silk Road traditions, and artistic craftsmanship. From royal palaces to metalwork workshops, these museums preserve the essence of Bukharan culture and history.
Museums in other cities of Uzbekistan
