The Retro Car Museum, also known as Retro Garage, houses a collection of restored vintage cars in Shymkent that traces a century of automotive history. Inaugurated in 2019 by restorer Damir Gafarov, the venue brings together American models from the golden age and Soviet classics, arranged across two levels.
Why visit the Retro Car Museum
The museum stands out for the quality of its restorations: most vehicles have been returned to working condition or preserved very close to their original configuration. Each restoration takes an average of 6 to 8 months of work, carried out by a specialized team led by founder Damir Gafarov, who assembled this collection over more than 26 years.
The appeal of the place extends beyond mechanics. The cars on display illustrate two industrial cultures, American and Soviet, and offer insight into the evolution of design, comfort, and automotive production between the 1920s and 1980s. The intimate scale lends itself to a short yet informative visit, suitable for families and enthusiasts alike.
What to see at the museum
The collection features approximately 26 cars and 3 motorcycles, dating from the 1920s to the 1980s. The visit is organized across two levels, each dedicated to a distinct geographic and cultural area.
First floor: American classics
The ground floor showcases the great names of 20th-century American automotive engineering:
- Several Packards, including a 1940 Packard Super 8
- A 1927 Ford Model A
- A 1934 Ford Tudor Sedan
These models bear witness to Detroit's golden age and the technical innovations that marked mass production in the United States.
Second floor: Soviet cars
The upper level brings together emblematic Soviet vehicles:
- Pobeda, the first Soviet postwar car
- Moskvitch and Zhiguli (Lada), produced in vast quantities
- Zaporojets, a popular small city car
- Several Volga models
- A 1943 UAZ, presented as having served during World War II
The scenography occasionally pairs vehicles with silhouettes of historical or cinematic figures. Visitors can sit behind the wheel of certain models to take photographs.
Vintage cars for events
The Retro Garage also makes its vintage cars available for weddings, film shoots, advertising campaigns, and music videos. This activity explains the occasional changes to the exhibition, as certain vehicles may be temporarily absent for external events.
Practical information
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes of visiting depending on your interest in technical details. Admission fees remain modest. Important: credit cards and bank transfers are not accepted; bring cash. Opening hours and days may vary; it is advisable to check in advance, especially on weekdays.
How to get there
The museum is located on Torekulova Street in central Shymkent, near the Rixos hotel. By public transport:
- "Alimbetov St" stop: served by lines 17, 27, 35, 51, 56, 69, 74, 104, 126, and 133
- "Altyn Orda" stop: accessible via buses 52 and 135
As line numbers may change, verify routes on site or via a local mobility application.
What to see nearby
Should you extend your stay in Kazakhstan, several sites complement your cultural visit. In Astana, the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan offers a historical overview of the country. For landscape lovers, Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake, located in the Almaty region, rank among the most striking natural sites.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
The visit takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on your interest in technical and historical details.
The collection features approximately 26 cars and 3 motorcycles, dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, spread across two floors.
No. Only cash payments are accepted; cards and bank transfers are not available.
Yes, you can sit behind the wheel of certain models to take photographs.
Yes, classic vehicles can be rented for weddings, film shoots, music videos, or advertising campaigns.
Include the Retro Car Museum in your journey
The Retro Car Museum makes for an original stop during a visit to Shymkent, complementing the historic and natural sites of southern Kazakhstan. To build a tailor-made itinerary, explore our Kazakhstan travel packages.
