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Turkmen Carpet Museum

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Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)

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The Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat was established in 1993 and stands as a globally unique institution dedicated to preserving and researching the art of Turkmen carpet weaving. Its collection features more than 2,000 exhibits, including rare antique carpets that are several centuries old. A major highlight is the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, completed in 2001, which covers an area of over 301 square meters. The building's architecture emphasizes the cultural significance of the carpet, which is a national symbol featured prominently on Turkmenistan's state flag. Beyond its exhibitions, the museum functions as a scientific center for the restoration of historical textiles and the study of traditional techniques. Visitors can learn about distinct regional styles such as Tekke, Yomut, and Ersari, each characterized by unique patterns and knotting methods. The museum plays a crucial role in maintaining Turkmen identity and honoring a craft that is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C45111724303230241795
Rain mm1731363316562292016

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The institution warmly welcomes visitors to explore its expansive indoor exhibition halls, showcasing a remarkable and carefully curated collection of traditional textile masterpieces.
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Typical hours
The galleries are typically open during standard daytime business hours from Monday to Friday, with slightly reduced visiting schedules frequently observed during the weekends.
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Photography
Photography policies inside the exhibition halls can be quite strict, and visitors usually need to pay an additional fee at the entrance if they wish to take pictures of the displays.
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Time needed
To properly appreciate the intricate details and historical context of the massive woven exhibits, you should plan on spending approximately one and a half to two hours inside.
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Combine with
After admiring the textiles, you can easily walk to nearby iconic monuments in the heart of Ashgabat or enjoy a traditional meal at one of the surrounding local restaurants.
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Getting there
Centrally located within the modern layout of Ashgabat, the museum is highly accessible on foot from many central hotels, or via a very short and inexpensive local taxi ride.
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Insider tip
Consider hiring one of the knowledgeable local guides available at the entrance, as their detailed explanations of the tribal patterns significantly enrich the cultural experience.

Geography

Coordinates
37.93660, 58.38310

Facts

  • The museum officially opened its doors on March 20, 1993.
  • The largest carpet weighs 1.2 tons and measures 13.5 by 22.5 meters.
  • The collection contains valuable carpets dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • More than 2,000 individual carpets and artifacts are currently on display.
  • The record-breaking carpet was officially added to the Guinness World Records in 2003.
  • The museum operates specialized workshops for the scientific restoration of old carpets.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

World of Fairy Tales Amusement ParkWorld of Fairy Tales Amusement Park<1 km · NEExplore →
Ashgabat Textile ComplexAshgabat Textile Complex2 km · SEExplore →
10 Years of Independence Park10 Years of Independence Park2 km · SWExplore →
Ashgabat FlagpoleAshgabat Flagpole5 km · SWExplore →
Ashgabat Cable Car ParkAshgabat Cable Car Park6 km · SWExplore →
National Zoo of TurkmenistanNational Zoo of Turkmenistan7 km · SEExplore →
Wedding PalaceWedding Palace7 km · SExplore →
Altyn Asyr BazaarAltyn Asyr Bazaar7 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Turkmen Carpet Museum (4)

Atatürk Square🌳 park

This prominent public square in Ashgabat is dedicated to the legacy of the Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Turkmen Horses Monument📍 landmark

This striking monument in Ashgabat celebrates the majestic Akhal-Teke, the revered national horse breed of Turkmenistan.

Inspiration Park🌳 park

This scenic, tree-lined public park in Ashgabat features pathways dedicated to prominent Turkmen poets and scholars.

Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan🏛 museum

This national museum in Ashgabat houses an extensive collection of traditional Turkmen carpets, paintings, and national artifacts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which carpets can be seen?
Antique and modern carpets from all regions of Turkmenistan are on display.
Is the museum open on Monday?
Museums in the city are usually closed to visitors on Mondays.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is usually allowed for a small fee.
How much time should be planned?
About one to two hours are enough for the visit.
Is the museum air-conditioned?
Yes, the museum is modern and well air-conditioned.
Turkmen Carpet Museum: where is it located?
Turkmen Carpet Museum is located in Turkmenistan.
Turkmen Carpet Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Atatürk Square, Turkmen Horses Monument, Inspiration Park.
Turkmen Carpet Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Turkmen Carpet Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat was established in 1993 and stands as a globally unique institution dedicated to preserving and researching the art of Turkmen carpet weaving.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Ashgabat — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat
The capital of Turkmenistan is famous for its unique white marble architecture.
Büzmeýin — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Büzmeýin
An important industrial suburb of Ashgabat, now part of the capital.

History & landmarks

Ashgabat Flagpole — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Flagpole
One of the tallest freestanding flagpoles in the world stands proudly in front of the State Museum in Ashgabat.
Wedding Palace — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Wedding Palace
This futuristic building is a center for civil marriages in Ashgabat.
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center
The Alem Cultural Center in Ashgabat houses a gigantic Ferris wheel integrated into a structure of glass and white marble.

More places

World of Fairy Tales Amusement Park — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
World of Fairy Tales Amusement Park
A theme park for children in Ashgabat featuring Turkmen fairy tale characters and modern rides.
Agricultural University Fields — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Agricultural University Fields
Experimental fields in Ashgabat where new cultivation methods for the desert climate are developed.
Ruhyyet Park — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Ruhyyet Park
An elegant city park near the Presidential Palace, known for its marble architecture and tranquility.
Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque
Built in classical Ottoman style, the mosque in Ashgabat resembles the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
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Ashgabat Textile Complex
One of the most modern textile companies in Central Asia, covering the entire process from cotton to clothing.
10 Years of Independence Park — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
10 Years of Independence Park
An expansive park in Ashgabat featuring fountains and numerous monuments.
Ashgabat Botanical Garden — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden in Turkmenistan with a rich collection of desert plants.
Independence Monument — Turkmen Carpet Museum (Turkmenistan)
Independence Monument
This magnificent monument in Ashgabat symbolizes Turkmen independence.