Translated with AI
The grand opening of the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture took place in Almaty on Friday. The building underwent a major renovation that lasted six years and was beset by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the arrest of the project's main investor, businessman Kairat Boranbayev.
The building's history spans over half a century: the Tselinny Cinema was built in 1964 and became the city's cultural center. In the 1990s, the building was acquired by private owners and underwent several renovations. The most significant modernization took place in 2000: the enormous cinema was divided into two auditoriums, a second floor was added above the foyer, and the famous sgraffito by artist Yevgeny Sidorkin was covered with plasterboard.
In 2016, the complex was purchased by Kairat Boranbayev, and four years later, a lengthy renovation began. The project was led by British architect Asif Khan. Particular attention was paid to restoring the foyer's historical scale, similar to its state before the 2000 renovation. Sidorkina's sgraffito was restored with some color correction, and the enormous cinema hall was preserved for exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events.
The opening of the visitor center was conducted by Amantai Kusayynbay, who has worked in the building since 1999—first as a caretaker, and today overseeing the complex's economic affairs.
The area in front of the building has been landscaped, and a park area near St. Nicholas Church is planned for next year. A café, a library, and space for workshops and master classes have been created in the center.
This week, Tselinny is hosting the performance "BARSAKELMES," which is free until tomorrow evening. Afterward, tickets will cost 2,000 tenge. The full program of events is published on the center's official website.
The Center for Contemporary Culture will be open three days a week—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM—offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore contemporary art projects and cultural initiatives.
