Bishkek, April 29, 2026 /Kabar/. This year, Bishkek city celebrates the 148th anniversary of its founding. Kabar agency has selected photos of historical sites with before and after photographs showing the changes in the capital.
Kyrgyz State Circus
The State Circus has existed since 1976 and has not been renovated for almost 48 years. A major renovation began in July 2023, and the building reopened in November 2024 after a complete renovation. Today, the circus remains one of the capital's most vibrant performance venues, blending classical circus arts with modern show formats.
Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic
The Philharmonic building was built in 1980. It comprises two halls: a large hall with 1,108 seats and small has 314 seats. The Philharmonic bears the name of the great Kyrgyz Soviet folk akyn (poet-songwriter), outstanding composer, and komuz player Toktogul Satylganov.
Today, it remains one of the capital's main concert venues, hosting state and cultural events. Its stage features both national and world classical music.
Registry Office
The "Bakyt Ordosu" (Registry Office) building was built in 1987 on Sovetskaya Street and has become one of the capital's most recognizable architectural landmarks. It has unusual shape, reminiscent of a rock crystal druse. The architects L. Logunov and A. Klishevich designed the building.
Ala-Too Cinema
The Ala-Too Cinema opened in 1938 in Frunze and became the first large movie theater in Kyrgyzstan. The building is located at the intersection of Chui Avenue and Erkindik Boulevard. Initially, the cinema had single hall with 600 seats, which was later divided into several halls.
From its first years, the cinema became an important cultural center and a magnet for locals, especially young people. Today, the Ala-Too Cinema retains its status as one of the capital's iconic cultural landmarks.
Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Maldybaev
Design and construction of the opera and ballet theater building began before the Great Patriotic War, but was not completed until 1955. Today, the theater bears the name of the outstanding Soviet Kyrgyz composer, singer (tenor), teacher, and public figure, People's Artist of the USSR Abdylas Maldybaev.
The theater building is considered an important architectural and cultural landmark and is one of the country's main cultural venues and a center for the development of national opera and ballet. It regularly hosts classical opera productions, ballet performances, and concerts featuring leading domestic and international performers.
Ala-Too Square
Ala-Too Square is the main central square of the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Today, a monument to Manas stands here, and previously, a monument to V.I. Lenin stood on this site. It is one of the most recognizable and significant public spaces in the city, hosting state events, holidays, and mass events. The square is a symbolic center of the country's modern history and a magnet for residents and tourists.
State Historical Museum and Monument
The State Historical Museum is located on Ala-Too Square. The building was originally constructed as the Frunze branch of the V.I. Lenin Central Museum and opened in 1984. Today, it is one of the largest museums in the country, presenting the history of Kyrgyzstan, from ancient times to the present day.
It is worth noting that a monument to V.I. Lenin was previously located near the museum. Now, a monument to Manas stands next to the building.
TSUM "Aichurek"
TSUM "Aichurek" is one of the largest shopping centers in Bishkek. The department store opened on August 14, 1974, marking a significant milestone for the city: it was the first in the country to install escalators, passenger and freight elevators, and over 380 retail units.
In the following years, TSUM actively developed, adding new retail sections and changing its operating format. Today, TSUM "Aichurek" remains one of the capital's main shopping centers.
Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University (KNU)
The main building was built in 1938; the superstructure and façade were reconstructed in 1951. The architecture of the building distinguished by the clarity of their composition and the expressiveness of their facades.Today, KNU is one of the largest and leading universities in the country.
Bishkek City Hall
The former City Executive Committee building was built in 1957. It now houses the Bishkek City Hall, where city government work is concentrated. It is one of the capital's iconic architectural structures and an important element of urban development.
Kyrgyz National News Agency "Kabar"
The agency was founded in March 1937 by joint decision of the Council of People's Commissars of the Kirghiz SSR and the TASS news agency. Back then, it was known as the Kirghiz Telegraph Agency (KirTAG), the first news agency of the Kirghiz SSR.
Today, the Kyrgyz National News Agency "Kabar" continues the traditions of its predecessor and is one of the leading state news sources in Kyrgyzstan, covering key events in the country and abroad, setting the official news agenda, and ensuring prompt dissemination of news.
