Uzbekistan’s museum sector has seen marked growth, both in collections and in attendance. According to the National Statistics Committee, by January 1, 2025 the country counted 138 museums and branches. Together they received 4.8 mln visitors in 2024, of which 1.4 mln were foreign tourists.
Expanding collections
The museums’ core holdings now number 2.7 mln artefacts, an increase of 129,200 or 5% compared with the previous year. The largest share is concentrated in Tashkent, with 1,255,915 items. Other major centres include Samarkand region with 239,650 artefacts, the Republic of Karakalpakstan with 197,506, Surkhandarya with 178,080, and Fergana with 161,403. Museums in other regions together account for 703,441 items.
Most visited museums in 2024
- Samarkand State Museum-Reserve — 1,035,325 visitors
- Registan Ensemble Directorate — 908,225 visitors
- State Museum of Glory and Honour — 656,355 visitors
- Bukhara State Museum-Reserve — 489,208 visitors
- Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve — 456,917 visitors
These figures highlight the international and domestic appeal of Uzbekistan’s cultural institutions.
Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan received more than 6.3 mln foreign visitors between January and July 2025.
