Normql

We opted for the guided tour, it took about an hour and explained how the carpets were made as well as the unique differences in design between the regions. It was really worth the tour, otherwise it would look like a carpet shop. Our guide Maya was friendly, had beautiful English and a wealth of knowledge that she was obviously truly passionate about.

An absolute MUST for any self-respecting carpet enthusiast! Carpets! Carpets! Carpets!

Recommended to see the history

Definitely worth checking out. I learnt a lot about the carpet industry in Turkmenistan here. My guide was very detailed and meticulous with her explanations, which i really appreciated.

If you should see a single museum in Ashgabat I guess it's should be this one. Carpet weaving is proclaimed to be integral to Turkmen culture (the five traditional carpet patterns even found their way to the national flag) and at this museum you get to learn a lot about this. From dying techniques, the different materials and tools used, the meaning of each pattern, everything is very well explained by the guides (most of them speak Russian and a few of them speak some good English). You also get to see some impressive pieces, including the largest hand-woven carpet in the world and a number of carpets using special techniques to create beautiful relief patterns. Totally worth the price (which is high by local standards)!

Hier wird die vielfältige Welt der berühmten turkmenischen Teppiche lebendig. Man erlebt eine Vielfalt von Mustern aus den verschiedenen Regionen (Welayaten), deren Unterschiede und Webweisen. Wir hatten uns eine Führerin genommen, die uns alles auf einem ca. 50-minütigen Rundgang erklärt hat. Eine kleine Gebühr fällt an. Auch für das Fotografieren muss man etwas bezahlen. Absolut empfehlenswert!

Full of beautiful carpets displaying fantastic craftsmanship & dedication but very sterile, full of gleaming marble but no people other than our tour group. Very peculiar for a national museum...

Wonderful examples of the beautiful workmanship of the Turkomen people. We had an english speaking guide from the museum who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended if you are interested in crafts and carpets.

Totally recommended museum and the tour guides are amazing, giving details and stories behind the main carpets. The Guinness world record one is really impressive. Highly recommended

Fascinating Only takes around 45 minutes to be shown around by the guide from the museum. You get a good understanding of the meaning of the patterns, and the importance Turkmen people place on their carpets Small gift shop though, so if you want to buy a carpet it would be best to find somewhere else

It was at best ok. No real description in any language on the carpets. Went with a friend, so no option of a guide to explain anything. Basically then it was a walk around carpets..

I would not waste too much time here if you are on a tight schedule. Interesting to visit for a quick 45mins, with friendly guides