The Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent has officially been included in the prestigious list of the world’s most beautiful museums for 2026 by the international architectural award Prix Versailles. An official letter from Paris confirmed the site’s high status even before its opening, scheduled for March this year, according to Yuz.uz.

Global Recognition and Selection Criteria

The Prix Versailles award annually honors outstanding projects that set new standards in architecture and aesthetics. The Uzbek Center passed a rigorous selection process, during which innovation, commitment to national heritage, and environmental efficiency were evaluated.

Inclusion in this list gives the Center the right to compete for the highest global titles of 2026: the Grand Prix, as well as awards for Best Interior or Exterior. The winners will be announced at the end of the year at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris.

Scale and International Status

The facility has already attracted the attention of major global media outlets. CNN described it as one of the most ambitious cultural projects of modern times, noting that the building is seven times larger than the White House. The Center now stands alongside global giants such as the Museum of London and the National Geographic Museum in Washington.

According to the Center’s director, Firdavs Abdukhaliqov, this achievement confirms the complex’s status as the leading scientific and cultural hub of Central Asia. The project, implemented at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has become a symbol of Uzbekistan’s modern cultural renaissance.

For residents and visitors of the region, the Center’s opening in March 2026 will mark a historic event. It is not just a museum, but a world-class platform that positions Uzbekistan as a key destination for international cultural tourism and scientific research.

ORIENT