Dear resident
WELCOME KIT
The Collective of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art (BiSCA) is happy to welcome you to Bishkek and to your residency.
This guide contains practical information to help you navigate your stay comfortably and confidently.
This guide contains practical information to help you navigate your stay comfortably and confidently.
Weather & Climate
Location
Besh-Kungei is located near the mountains, offering:
Location on 2GIS: https://2gis.kg/bishkek/geo/70000001079587063
Location on Google Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gaH3ZqAqe9UTAQdo6
- 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..
Location on 2GIS: https://2gis.kg/bishkek/geo/70000001079587063
Location on Google Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gaH3ZqAqe9UTAQdo6
TRAVELING INFORMATION
You can activate an eSIM directly at the airport after customs clearance.
There are mobile operator desks near the exit.
Recommended operator: O!
Important:
Connecting an eSIM on Android differs by model — staff can assist.
iPhone instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780
Country code: +996
(Some local numbers may start with 0 instead.)
There are mobile operator desks near the exit.
Recommended operator: O!
- Weekly tariff options available
- Payment by foreign bank cards (sometimes USD cash)
Important:
Connecting an eSIM on Android differs by model — staff can assist.
iPhone instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780
Country code: +996
(Some local numbers may start with 0 instead.)
- Calling landlines: +996-312-XX-XX-XX
- Best to bring USD or EUR in cash
- ATMs are widely available
- You can track up-to-date currency rate in different banks here: https://valuta.kg/
- Only new, undamaged banknotes are accepted at good rates
- Small shops and cafés often accept cash or transfers only
- Keep some cash with you at all times
- Visa cards are widely accepted; Mastercard less consistently.
- Maps & Transport Apps 2GIS — best option (offline maps, public transport routes, shows places and shops)
- Website version recommended for iOS users
- Maps.me — good offline walking routes
- Google Maps & Yandex Maps exist but may be unreliable for routes
The American AppStore does not support 2gis application. If you struggle downloading it please use the website version. Android users can install apk-file https://apk.2gis.ru- use the green button to install.
- Marshrutka (minibus): 20 som, cash only (runs until ~21:00)
- Bus & trolleybus:
- 20 som (cash)
- 17 som (Tulpar Card)
- Cost: 50 som
- Available at post offices, mobile operator shops, buses
- ⚠️ Please be mindful of pickpockets on public transport.
101 - Fire Department
102 - Police Department
103 - Ambulance
102 - Police Department
103 - Ambulance
Taxi Services
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.
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.
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. Contacts: 0771 40 94 07; 0312 62 32 27. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00.
Entrance fee: 20$
Address: Kuntuu village. Contacts: 0771 40 94 07; 0312 62 32 27. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00.
Entrance fee: 20$
Museum
They have no museum building, they do different projects and collect feminist art works.
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.
Ticket Price: 160 Som (for foreign guests)
Working hours: Tue - Thu: 10:00 - 17:30; Fri: 10:00 - 16:30; Mon: closed.
Ticket Price: 160 Som (for foreign guests)
Museum
main square Ala-Too, Chui avenue 112
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:00 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 200 som
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:00 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 200 som
Museum
Museum
364 Frunze st.
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 30 som
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 30 som
Museum
08 Kasyma Tynystanova st.
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
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
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.
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.
Museum
78 K. Tynystanova st.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00
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
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
Libraries
Historical places
Independent Art Spaces & Initiatives
(Selection of key contemporary art initiatives in Bishkek and beyond)
Coworking / coliving / cultural space
Coworking / coliving / hostel / food / bar / cultural projects
Address: 119 Orozbekova st.
Address: 119 Orozbekova st.
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.
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.
Experimental performative arts
Theatre of Performative Arts. A modern, independent theater, inclined to research and experiment
Theatre
Theatre 705 is an independent art space for experimental plays, performances, exhibitions, and other creative events, and art library. Address: 149 Bokonbaeva st.
Art galleries
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).
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).
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.
Souvenirs & Local Crafts Purchase
higher end
art salon, modern felt & design
art salon, modern felt & design
Tumar
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.
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.
higher end
a center of hand weaving
a center of hand weaving
Mountain cedar woolens
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.
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.
budget friendly
massive regional market
massive regional market
TSUM
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.
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.
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.
budget friendly
Osh Bazaar
food, crafts, atmosphere (cash only)
