National Historical Museum🏛 museum
State museum covering the history of Kyrgyzstan at Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
🌐 historymuseum.kg🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-18:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Ala-Too Square
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Ala-Too Square is the central heart of Bishkek and the primary venue for public events and state celebrations in Kyrgyzstan. Built in 1984 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz SSR, the square is characterized by its spacious layout, numerous fountains, and monumental architecture. At its center stands a towering statue of the national hero, Manas, which was erected in 2011, replacing the Statue of Liberty (Erkindik), which had earlier replaced a monument to Lenin. Directly behind the statue is the State Historical Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Central Asia. Visitors are often drawn to the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place hourly beneath the massive national flag. The square has been the site of pivotal political moments, including the 2005 Tulip Revolution, making it a powerful symbol of Kyrgyz political consciousness and independence. In the evening, the square comes alive with colorful lighting and synchronized fountain displays, serving as a popular gathering spot for residents and tourists.
- Location: Kyrgyzstan
- Top sights: National Historical Museum · Kyrgyz Dramatical Theater · Art Gallery
- Nearby: Chunkurchak (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 25 | 28 | 26 | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 24 | 30 | 43 | 61 | 48 | 29 | 21 | 13 | 15 | 36 | 38 | 30 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Ala-Too Square in Bishkek is a public square freely accessible at any time. It is the central heart of the city, used for national celebrations and public events.
Typical hours
The square is accessible around the clock and lively. The best time for a visit is late afternoon when the evening atmosphere sets in and the lighting of the Manas Monument is particularly beautiful.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time throughout the square and provides numerous subjects. The Manas Monument, the surrounding government buildings, and the statues are particularly photogenic.
Time needed
Visiting the square and the surrounding attractions takes about 30 to 45 minutes. For a thorough examination of the monuments and buildings, you should allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Oak Park, just a short walk away. The Historical Museum of Bishkek at the edge of the square also features itself for a visit.
Getting there
The square is located in central Bishkek on Chui Avenue and is easily accessible on foot, by bus, or taxi. Parking spaces are available in the surrounding streets and on the avenue.
Insider tip
Visit the square in the evening when the lighting of the buildings and monuments creates a special atmosphere. Be mindful of your valuables as the square is busy and pickpockets may be active.
Geography
Facts
- Constructed in 1984 during the late Soviet period.
- The central Manas statue stands at a height of 10 meters.
- Home to the extensive State Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan.
- The epicenter of the 2005 Tulip Revolution protests.
- The guard changing ceremony occurs hourly from 7 AM to 9 PM.
- Features the tallest national flagpole in the country.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ala-Too Square (9)
Panfilov Park
Public park in Bishkek with pathways and greenery.
Mikhail Frunze Museum🏛 museum
Memorial museum for Soviet commander Mikhail Frunze in Bishkek.
Russian Dramatical Theatre
Russian-language theatre in Bishkek staging drama plays.
Toktogul literature and art museum🏛 museum
Museum of literature and art named after Toktogul Satylganov.
Abdylas Maldybaev National Opera and Ballet Theater
National opera and ballet house in Bishkek named after Abdylas Maldybaev.
Gallery Artemis
Contemporary art gallery in Bishkek.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ala-Too Square located?
It is the central square of Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.
What is the main attraction on the square?
The large Manas statue, the State History Museum, and the hourly changing of the guard.
Are events held on the square?
Yes, national holidays, concerts, and political rallies are held here.
Does it cost anything to visit the square?
No, access to the public square is free and open at all times.
When does the changing of the guard happen?
The ceremonial changing of the guard under the national flag takes place every hour on the hour.
Ala-Too Square: where is it located?
Ala-Too Square is located in Kyrgyzstan.
Ala-Too Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Historical Museum, Kyrgyz Dramatical Theater, Art Gallery.
Ala-Too Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Ala-Too Square: why is it worth visiting?
Ala-Too Square is the central heart of Bishkek and the primary venue for public events and state celebrations in Kyrgyzstan.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Kyrgyzstan →
Nearby cities
Bishkek
The capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, located in the wide Chuy Valley at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains.
Chunkurchak
A scenic high-altitude valley near Bishkek, known for its alpine beauty, ski resorts, and adventure sports.
Shopokov
A small city west of Bishkek, supported by agriculture and light industry.
Tokmok
A significant industrial city in the Chuy Valley, which was once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road.
Kazarman
A highly isolated mining settlement in inner Kyrgyzstan, often cut off from the rest of the country in winter.
History & landmarks
State History Museum
Kyrgyzstan's most important museum on Ala-Too Square, housing artifacts from antiquity to the Soviet era.
Kurmanjan Datka Monument
A bronze statue in Bishkek honoring the famous Kyrgyz female leader, known as the Queen of the South.
Victory Square
A monumental square in Bishkek featuring a large, yurt-shaped structure commemorating the Second World War.
Osh Bazaar
The largest and most vibrant market in Bishkek, where you can find traditional clothes, spices, and local foods.
Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex
A poignant cemetery and memorial complex south of Bishkek dedicated to the victims of Stalinist purges.
🗺️
Kara-Bulak Necropolis
An ancient burial ground in central Kyrgyzstan with over 100 burials from the early Iron Age.
Burana Tower
A 25-meter-high minaret from the 11th century, surviving as a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun in the Chuy Valley.
Nature
Chu River
The Chu River is the lifeline of the fertile valley of the same name in the north of the country.
Song-Kul
Song-Kul is a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by lush summer pastures.
Ili River
This mighty river originates in the mountains of Xinjiang and flows through southeastern Kazakhstan before emptying into Lake Balkhash.
More places
Panfilov Park
The most central and busiest park in Bishkek is a popular meeting place for families and locals.
Chingiz Aitmatov Park
This extensive and peaceful park in Bishkek is dedicated to Kyrgyzstan's most famous writer.
Bishkek Botanical Garden
As the green lung of the capital, this extensive garden is home to thousands of plant species from Central Asia and around the world.
Dordoi Bazaar
One of the largest wholesale markets in Central Asia for consumer goods.
🗺️
Flamingo Amusement Park
The Flamingo Amusement Park in Bishkek offers fun and thrills for children of all ages.
Bishkek Thermal Power Plant
The largest thermal power plant in the country, providing electricity and heat to the capital.
Chon-Dalin Archaeological Complex
This complex on the outskirts of Bishkek houses remains from the Western Turkic Khaganate period.
Chuy Valley
A fertile depression in northern Kyrgyzstan, home to the capital Bishkek and much of the country's agriculture.