The Peace Palace in a glass pyramid
In 2006, a pyramid of glass and steel became the symbolic centre of Astana. This Palace of Peace and Harmony was designed by the British architecture firm Forster + Partners and is a symbol of harmonious relations between world religions. In addition to a conference centre, the palace also encompasses a 1500-seat concert hall and a beautiful atrium. The peak of the pyramid features a ‘top’ conference room where guests are surrounded by stained-glass doves. Take a 30-minute tour to admire the building.
A yurt palace
The Ak-Orda Palace is sometimes irreverently, but somewhat accurately, described as a Disney version of the American White House. Since the end of 2004, this has been the home of the president of Kazakhstan, who is also responsible for inventing the outline of the Bayterek Tower. One of the highlights of the daily guided tours is the Oriental Hall. It has the shape of a traditional yurt – a type of nomadic tent where Kazakh civilisation began – albeit a very swanky ornate version of one.
The Flower of the Tundra
The Central Concert Hall was designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti. He felt that the tundra was lacking in colour so he designed the building in the shape of an abstract flower. In addition to a large auditorium for classical music, ballet performances and pop concerts, the venue also houses restaurants, shops and 2 cinemas. The largest space is the 3000-square-metre lobby. It serves as a huge indoor square where Astana residents love to gather during the extremely cold winter months.
