Museum of Paleolithic Kazakhstan at KazNU: A Scientific and Educational Center for Archaeological Research

As part of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" in December 2000, the Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi opened the unique Museum of Paleolithic Kazakhstan, the first of its kind in the CIS. This museum has become an important scientific and educational center aimed at studying and popularizing the history of ancient humans and their material culture in Kazakhstan.

The museum's collection comprises approximately 600,000 stone artifacts collected by archaeologists over many years. These artifacts are unique finds that reflect the evolution of stone-working technologies and other aspects of life in Paleolithic cultures. Among the notable contributors to this collection are scholars such as Kh.A. Alpysbayev, A.G. Medoyev, Zh.K. Taimagambetov, B.Zh. Aubekerov, and O.A. Artyukhov.

The museum has become not only a guardian of historical heritage but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in ancient history, learn about the lives of our ancestors, and witness unique artifacts created thousands of years ago.

The Museum of Paleolithic Kazakhstan showcases photographs of the pioneers of Kazakhstani Paleolithic archaeology—Kh.A. Alpysbayev and A.G. Medoyev—as well as their monographs and lists of scientific works. These materials serve as testimony to their significant contributions to the development of science and allow visitors to learn more about the achievements of Kazakhstani researchers.

Separate sections of the museum’s exposition are dedicated to the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods, illustrating the ancient fauna that inhabited Kazakhstan during those times. Here, one can see illustrations depicting animals that existed then. Subsequent exhibitions feature early rock art found in Kazakhstan, revealing the worldview and culture of ancient people, who left their mark in the form of artistic creations on stone.