Tadao Ando’s National Museum of Uzbekistan Breaks Ground in Tashkent

Staff Writer

Sep. 01, 2025

Tadao Ando’s National Museum of Uzbekistan breaks ground in Tashkent, set to open in 2028 as Central Asia’s largest cultural landmark.

The National Museum of Uzbekistan will be located in central Tashkent. (Image: ACDF)

On August 27, 2025, celebrated Japanese architect Tadao Ando officially broke ground on his first major commission in Central Asia, the National Museum of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent. The striking structure, set to open in March 2028, blends minimalist geometric forms with cultural symbolism to create a landmark that serves as both a museum and civic gathering space.

Minimalist Geometry Meets Heritage

Ando's design employs a thoughtful composition of circles, squares, and connecting triangles, rendered in concrete to evoke clarity, light, and shadow. These shapes honor Uzbekistan’s architectural legacy while advancing its cultural narrative. A central public plaza will anchor the complex, surrounded by exhibitions, a library, and civic spaces.

Tadao Ando’s National Museum of Uzbekistan features interlinked geometric forms. (Image: ACDF)

The museum will feature large oval-shaped openings. (Image: ACDF)

A Cultural Beacon for Central Asia

Spread across approximately 40,000 m², with over 8,500 m² of exhibition space, the museum will be Central Asia’s largest cultural venue. Beyond its role as a gallery, the facility will include classrooms, conservation labs, a rooftop terrace, a café, and landscaped areas to foster learning and community engagement.

Tadao Ando’s design emphasizes the use of natural light. (Image: ACDF)

The building is designed to house a museum as well as a library. (Image: ACDF)

Launching Uzbekistan on the Global Stage

Commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the museum embodies the nation’s cultural transition. It will feature national and international artworks, host artist residencies, and stage programs that engage young audiences. Equipped with a library and lecture hall, the institution is designed as a center for cultural dialogue and research.

Image: ACDF

The National Museum of Uzbekistan marks more than an architectural milestone, it symbolizes the country’s cultural evolution and ambition to engage with the world on a global stage. With Tadao Ando’s signature design bringing light, geometry, and openness into harmony, the museum will stand as both a civic landmark and a cultural bridge, positioning Tashkent as a new destination for art, dialogue, and innovation in Central Asia.