Khalansky expands the Almaty Art Museum with a modernist cafe
Designed by Khalansky Architects, Cafe Alma is located in the Almaty Museum of Art in Kazakhstan, where it creates a connection between of the museum exhibition spaces and the surrounding urban environment. Developed for abr hospitality group, the 104-sq.m cafe it was completed in a period of 2.5 months and is designed as an extension of the museum’s public space rather than as an isolated commercial space.
The project addresses the relationship between cultural institutions and everyday urban activity by creating a fluid transition between the galleries, the interior of the cafe and the outdoor terrace. The timeless layout connects the museum environment with the adjacent city boulevard, allowing the cafe to function as both a destination and a continuation of the visitor’s experience.
The interior design draws from Almaty’s mid-century architectural heritage, evoking the geometric clarity, clean lines and structural simplicity associated with Soviet modernism and constructivism. A custom curved open bar it is the central element of the space, combining functional requirements with a precise architectural expression through use steelmetal and natural wood glaze.
all images by Damir Otegen
A material palette of wood, steel and terrazzo defines Cafe Alma
The material palette creates a dialogue between the contemporary architectural shell of the museum and the identity of the cafe. Sapele wood veneer introduces warmth and rhythm with a textured surface, while stainless steel and terrazzo elements provide contrast through their industrial character and reflective properties. These materials are complemented by a selection of paintings by Central Asian artists, extending the museum’s artistic context to the café environment.
The greenery of the interiors and Marcel Breuer’s S 64 chairs (Thonet, 1929) contribute additional layers of material and historical reference, combining European modernist design with elements linked to Almaty’s architectural memory. Through its spatial organization and material choices, Cafe Alma, designed by Khalansky architectural studioit creates a setting where cultural programming, hospitality and everyday urban activity intersect within the context of the museum.
Cafe Alma expands the Almaty Art Museum into a space for everyday urban activity
the café creates a transition between the exhibition spaces and the surrounding city
Geometric clarity and clean lines are drawn from Soviet modernist principles
a curved open bar forms the centerpiece of the space
steel, metal and natural veneer define the architectural expression of the bar
Sapele wood veneer introduces warmth and textured surface rhythm
