Uzbekistan to establish “Lazgi and Avesta” museum in Urgench

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution on 12 May 2026 to establish a new “Lazgi and Avesta” museum in the city of Urgench.

According to the document, the institution will be located at 7 Khonka Street and will operate as a branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Uzbekistan.

The main purpose of the museum is the preservation and promotion of two layers of cultural heritage: the Khorezm Lazgi dance, included by UNESCO in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the historical heritage of the ancient religious text Avesta.

The resolution also highlights the educational role of the institution, aiming to foster respect for national and universal values among citizens, especially young people, and to strengthen a sense of pride and love for the homeland through the exhibition of unique artifacts.

The government assigned the museum several key tasks, including the formation and expansion of collections, organization of exhibitions using modern information technologies, international promotion of collections, and development of cooperation with foreign museums and joint exhibition projects.

Funding for the institution will come from several sources, including the local budget of Khorezm Region, the museum’s own revenues, charitable contributions from individuals and legal entities, and other sources not prohibited by law.

In 2026, operational expenses, including staff salaries, will be covered within the approved parameters of the Khorezm regional budget. From 2027, funding will be included in the region’s budget on a planned basis.

The Khorezm regional administration has been instructed to complete building renovations, form exhibitions, and equip the museum with necessary infrastructure by 1 July 2026.

The Agency for Cultural Heritage, together with regional authorities and relevant institutions, will be responsible for approving staffing structures, recruiting qualified personnel, implementing modern information and communication technologies, and ensuring the attraction of both domestic and international tourists.