Central Asian Soviet mosaics
In our time in Central Asia we’ve come across many fine examples of Soviet era mosaics, with some truly wonderful designs and styling. Some are in prominent places, but a lot tend to be stuck out of the way in seemingly random places like suburban apartment blocks, offices and hospitals. Most are worth seeking out, but we’re often shocked at how neglected they seem to be, or are hidden away, often obscured by foliage. Perhaps independent nations don’t wish to highlight these legacy pieces, but we think they deserved to be celebrated more.
Here are a few of our favourite examples. We found it hard to get any information at all on most of them, and only scant details on others – a real pity as the artists who created these beauties can’t be acclaimed as they no doubt should be.
Mosaic panel of the Kazakh epic ‘Enlik Kebek’ 1965 (Hotel Almaty, Almaty)
As above – these beauties are hidden in shade in the hotel forecourt
Cosmonaut (Palace of Culture, Termitau). Bits falling off, but still impressive…
Misha the bear, the mascot from the 1980 Moscow Olympics (side of apartment block, Osh). Cute arse.
Concave facade of the Ala Too Kino Theatre (Bishkek)
(KIMER University buildings, Almaty)
(Office block, old Astana)
(Derelict tram depot, Almaty). Had to run the gauntlet with an irate foreman for this one.
‘The Unity of the Working Class’. A real Soviet beauty this one… (Municipal Buildings, Karaganda)
As above (Municipal Buildings, Karaganda)
Yuri Gagarin (side of huge apartment block, Karaganda)
Cosmonauts (side of Eurasian Bank building, Almaty)
Kazakh musicians (Entrance to Kok-Tobe Sanatorium, Almaty)
Advert for Aeroflot (apartment block, Osh)
The red cloth of communism (old fabric factory, Osh)
Silk Road mosaic (Hotel Almaty, Almaty)
Not the best advert for marriage… (derelict wedding hall, Almaty)
‘Artisitc Youth’ 1972-4 (side of drama theatre, Osh)
‘Glory to Work’, previously known as ‘Our Goal is Communism’ (Office block, Osh)
Simon (5th August 2025)
You will be doing mosaics when you get home. Lol. XX
Better than jigsaws I suppose…..
They are impressive
Indeed so – as with everything though, they look much better when you’re face to face
Fabulous photos (as always), really interesting art and history of an era. I remember the Moscow Olympics bear mascot, but wouldn’t have remembered it’s name!
No, me neither – had to look it up. Cute little blighter isn’t he?
What a shame that they hidden away and unkept