Human House Art Gallery, Tashkent

Human House in Tashkent is an extraordinary venue that intertwines the elements of an art gallery, a museum, a gift shop, and a café. Nestled in the heart of the city, amidst private residences, this art gallery stands out with its ancient-styled, mud-brick walls. A quick stroll is all it takes to get here from Advantour's office.

Human House is primarily divided into three sections: a gallery showcasing Uzbek culture, an event hall, and a lively summer café with a terrace. The house and yard are not very large. However, it can take an hour or more to explore the whole place.

The gallery is an intricate blend of a museum exhibition, a gift store, and a clothing boutique. It displays a wide range of items representing Uzbek culture, including ceramics, paintings, silk scarves, dresses, shoes, and various household items. Many of these artifacts are also up for sale, allowing visitors to decorate a room with an authentic oriental touch.

Human Wear, the gallery's in-house clothing brand, offers a selection of summer dresses, jackets, chapanas (oriental robes), shoes, and bags with a unique Uzbek flair. The brand strictly adheres to the use of natural materials such as silk, cotton, wool and linen. Outfits from this Tashkent brand are characterized by bright colors and unusual patterns.

The central hall of the Human House Gallery is a hub of cultural activity. It regularly hosts concerts, workshops, seminars, film screenings, and intimate gatherings, and plays a pivotal role in Tashkent's cultural scene. Updates on all upcoming events are shared through the gallery's social media platforms.

The courtyard of the gallery is an attraction in itself. The carefully designed summer café, full of decorative elements, offers an immersive journey into Uzbekistan's past. With features such as thatched roofs, chests, unconventional lamps, and an artificial waterfall, the ambiance is a soothing retreat. The soothing murmur of water and the plush kurpachi (Uzbek blanket mattress) make it difficult to leave the table after dinner. It's important to note, however, that Human House is not a conventional restaurant; lunch or dinner requests should be made several days in advance.

The Human House Art Gallery is a hidden cultural gem in Tashkent and all of Uzbekistan. It's such a diverse place that one visit can easily replace a day of museum tours and market explorations, while also offering a delightful alternative to typical restaurants. It's a must-see for culture vultures in Tashkent.