WELCOME KIT

Dear resident,


The Collective of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art (BiSCA) is happy to welcome you to Bishkek and to the art-residence. This guide contains practical information to help you navigate your stay comfortably and confidently.

Location

Besh-Kungei is located near the mountains, offering:

  • A cooler and more pleasant summer climate than the city
  • Much cleaner air during winter
  • Open fields, quiet surroundings, and mountain views
  • A safe, calm village environment perfect for concentrated work
  • Shops and basic services are within a short walking distance or a quick drive..

Our address is the Kyrgyz Republic, Besh-Kungei village, Ordobai uulu Karynbai Str 28/2

Location on 2GIS: https://2gis.kg/bishkek/geo/70000001079587063

Location on Google Map:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gaH3ZqAqe9UTAQdo6

Visa Requirements
Airport pickup
Airport pickup can be arranged for 25 EUR (unless otherwise agreed in advance, in which case the service may be included in your stay).
To ensure a safe and comfortable stay for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

Electricity use

  • Please switch off lights when leaving a room.
  • Do not leave electrical appliances on when not in use.
  • Avoid leaving chargers plugged in unnecessarily.
  • Use heating and other high-consumption devices mindfully.

The residence is equipped with a smart electricity meter. If usage exceeds a certain limit, the power supply may automatically shut off. In such cases, the residence curators will show you how to restore electricity at the meter.

Kitchen use
Residents are welcome to use the kitchen for cooking.
If you need any kitchen tools or equipment, please feel free to ask. The curators will provide you with the necessary items.

Water & sanitation
Please note that the residence operates on a septic system (not a central sewage system).

  • Do not dispose of toilet paper in the toilet.
  • Do not throw any hygiene products (wipes, sanitary items, etc.) into the toilet.
Bins are provided for these items.

Payments
  • Payment is recommended in advance at the beginning of your stay.
  • For longer stays, payment is expected at the beginning of each month.
  • The payment can be done by cash (recommended) or via bank transfer. The bank requisites are available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18ARvi7j2-dAFxPrlF7-8Bek-4dTTh8Sk

Registration (local address)

  • For residents staying longer than 2 months, registration at our address is provided free of charge.
  • For stays of less than 2 months, registration can be arranged for a service fee of 2,887 KGS. In addition, the official state registration fee is 1,113 KGS, bringing the total cost to 4,000 KGS.
TRAVELING INFORMATION
Taxi Services
Notes:
Prices are generally affordable
It’s recommended to use apps rather than hailing taxis on the street
During peak hours, waiting times may increase
— the most reliable and widely used option
  • App-based service
  • Payment: cash or linked card (Visa / Mastercard)
Download the app
— local service, usually slightly slower
  • App-based
  • Useful as an alternative if Yandex is busy
Download the app
— local service, generally slower
  • App-based
  • May be helpful in areas with fewer drivers
Download the app
Museums, exhibition halls
Museum
Западная 19 (мастерская Чынгыза Айдарова)
wild art & contra institutional, mask performance in Bishkek
Based in the house of artist Chingiz Aidarov, who had a heart attack 2 years ago and this space became a semi-public-site for supporting him artistically and financially.
Learn more
Museum
Tolon Museum of Modern Art In 2023, Tolon Museum of Modern Art found a home in the village of Kuntuu, 15 minutes away from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Kuntuu Art Space is a museum and exhibition space for contemporary art from Kyrgyzstan and the region. It is located on the grounds of a Soviet winery whose buildings fit perfectly with the post-totalitarian theme of most of the exhibitions
Address: Kuntuu village. st. Beishenova, 24/1
Contacts: 0771 40 94 07; 0312 62 32 27. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00.
Entrance fee: 20$
Learn more
Museum
They have no museum building, they do different projects  and collect feminist art works.
Learn more
Museum
National Museum of Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, 196 Abdrahmanova st.
Working hours: Tue - Thu: 10:00 - 17:30; Fri: 10:00 - 16:30; Mon: closed.
On some days the museum is open until 7:00 pm or until 8:00 pm (particularly on Thursday)
Ticket Price: 160 Som (for foreign guests)
Learn more
Museum
main square Ala-Too, Chui avenue 112 
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:00 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 200 som
Museum
Chingiz Aitmatov Ave., 305
Monday–Saturday: 10:00–17:00
Sunday: According to one source, the museum is closed on Sundays.
Museum
364 Frunze st. 
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 30 som  
Museum
Tynystanov st. 108
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 66‒11‒74
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Learn more
Museum
Address: 109 Toktogul St. (crossing Orozbekov St.). Contacts: 0312 62 38 30. Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (break from 12:00 to 13:00). Free admission.
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Museum
Address: 50 Togolok Moldo St. (crossing Ryskulov St.). Contacts: 0312 32 48 54. Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (break from 12:00 to 13:00). Free admission.
Learn more
Museum
78 K. Tynystanova st.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00
Free admission.
Learn more
Museum
90 Chuikov st.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 30–00–23
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Learn more
Other places
Library
Learn more
Library
Learn more
Theater
Learn more
Independent Art Spaces & Initiatives
Selection of key contemporary art initiatives in Bishkek and beyond
Art Center
Learn more
Coworking / cultural space
Coworking / hostel / food / bar / cultural projects
Address: Yunusaliev st. 71
Learn more
Residency
Public Association “ArtEast” and ArtEast art-residency at Issyk-Kul lake
ArtEast is a non-governmental organization founded by Kyrgyz freelance artists in 2002.
The main mission of the organization is to strengthen the role of the contemporary visual arts as an integral component for the harmonious development of civil society in Kyrgyzstan and to provide support to artists to create artworks that are free of ideological and commercial pressure.
Learn more
Studio
Architecture, contemporary art
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Experimental performative arts
Theatre of Performative Arts. A modern, independent theater, inclined to research and experiment
Learn more
Theatre
Theatre 705 is an independent art space for experimental plays, performances, exhibitions, and other creative events, and art library. Address: 149 Bokonbaeva st.
Learn more
Art galleries
Gallery
Learn more
Gallery
Oak Park Gallery owned by Union of Artist (the oldest and almost one gallery in Bishkek) 
The legacy of institutions from Soviet time, fine art artists union – painting, sculpture, graphic.
They have a gallery, which is given for rent for exhibitions. The first art building in Bishkek since 1935. There was located the first fine art Museum in Kyrgyzstan. Originally the building was a Church.  
Address: Pushkina Street 78A (in the middle of Oak park).
Learn more
Gallery
Address: 40 Manas St., 2nd floor; TSUM-2, 4th floor. Contacts: 0557 55 50 25, 0550 55 12 93. Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
Learn more
Events
Movies, performances, plays, exhibitions
Visit the website
Visit the website
Visit the website
Visit the website
Visit the website
Visit the website
Places to Visit
  • Ala-Too Square (city center)
    The heart of Bishkek and the city’s main public square, surrounded by key landmarks, fountains, and government buildings.
  • Oak Park & Panfilov Park
    Two of Bishkek’s greenest parks, ideal for a relaxed walk, people-watching, and experiencing the city’s leafy atmosphere.
  • Osh Bazaar
    A vibrant local market where you can explore spices, dried fruits, fresh produce, traditional foods, and everyday city life.
  • Ala Archa National Park
    A stunning mountain escape just outside Bishkek, known for alpine scenery, hiking trails, rivers, and fresh mountain air.
Tours
Hiking, tracking and sightseeing
Visit the site
Visit the site
Visit the site
Local Cuisine to Try
Tip: Vegetarian options are available in many cafes
  • Beshbarmak
    Traditional meat and noodle dish
  • Lagman
    Hand-pulled noodles with vegetables and meat
  • Plov
    Rice with meat and carrots
  • Shorpo
    Traditional soup made with slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, and onions.
Souvenirs & Local Crafts Purchase
higher end
Tumar
art salon, modern felt & design

Nasirdin Isanov st., 80, 1st floor (https://go.2gis.com/ip1hqs).

Very stylish and modern souvenirs shop, with multiple felting products. There are cute magnets in the form of animals and amazing sleepers. If there is just one souvenir shop you want to go to and you have enough money, it is the best one to visit.
Learn more
higher end
Mountain cedar woolens
a center of hand weaving

Erkindik ave., 23; Moskovskaya st., 91 (https://go.2gis.com/nerr7).

Fabric and felt products, woolen and cotton items. Products are made by local women in the mountainous areas from local materials. There are blankets and clothes in national style.
Learn more
budget friendly
TSUM
massive regional market

3rd floor (https://go.2gis.com/q50rw ).

The widest choice of souvenirs of all kind  but there is not something unique there. You are more than welcome to bargain there. If you are short on time and money, this is the best option.
Bazaars (Markets). Osh Market. There is a choice of souvenirs of all kinds, food, and clothes. Only cash is available. 
Learn more
budget friendly
Dordoi Market
One of the biggest market in Central Asia - clothes, food, shoes, domestic supplies, not only bazaar, but very important phenomenon for the whole Central Asian region. Cash only. 
Learn more
budget friendly
Osh Bazaar
food, crafts, atmosphere (cash only)
Learn more
Made on
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