Uzbekistan Unveils Ambitious Global Cultural Programme for 2026
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed an extensive international cultural programme for 2026 and 2027 designed to showcase the nation’s historical heritage and contemporary arts on the global stage.
The presidential press service confirmed a series of high-profile exhibitions and performances across major international venues. The initiative begins in September with the «Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion» exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. This will be followed by a feature in the «Global Antiquity» exhibition at Milan’s Fondazione Prada in November.
The programme also pairs international talent with historic venues. Renowned pianist Lang Lang is scheduled to perform back-to-back concerts at the Great Wall of China in August and Registan Square in September. In October the Palace of International Forums in Tashkent will host a performance by acclaimed composer Max Richter.
Looking ahead to 2027, international audiences will see significant archaeological displays. Venice’s Palazzo Grimani and the Nara National Museum in Japan will host more than 200 artefacts while Milan’s Palazzo Reale will exhibit an additional 150 historical items.
The cultural export extends to the performing arts. In spring 2027 the opera «Tamerlano» will make its American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York. The production previously toured Dubai, Vienna, St. Petersburg and Paris. Furthermore Florence will host an exhibition dedicated to the pioneering polymath Abu Ali ibn Sino.
Domestic museum upgrades and new operator
Alongside international outreach the government is investing heavily in domestic cultural infrastructure. A new branch of the State Museum of Arts will open within the Palace of Grand Duke Nicholas Romanov in Tashkent. Authorities will also modernise the Mukhtar Ashrafi House-Museum and upgrade its surrounding facilities.
To manage this expanding portfolio officials proposed establishing a National Operator of Cultural Projects. Formed from the existing Directorate of International Festivals under the Ministry of Culture, the new entity will coordinate major concerts, arrange global exhibitions and drive the international promotion of Uzbek arts.
Officials also briefed the president on strategies to integrate the republic into leading global creative forums including Milan Design Week, Art Basel and the Art for Tomorrow conference.
