From October 17 to November 7, museum professionals, representatives of scientific and cultural institutions, and experts in cultural heritage preservation from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are undertaking a professional visit to the United States. This visit is part of the “Cultural Heritage” sub-regional project—conducted under the U.S. Department of State’s “International Visitor Leadership Program”—and is designed to familiarize participants with U.S. practices regarding the preservation of cultural heritage and the management of museums. The primary professional objectives of the program include studying best practices in the fields of cultural heritage preservation and museum management, as well as exchanging international experience regarding the planning and design of exhibitions and ensuring the security of museum facilities. Furthermore, this initiative is aimed at developing and strengthening cooperation with museums and scientific-cultural institutions in the United States, and promoting the country’s historical and cultural achievements in honor of its 250th anniversary.
The first stage of the professional visit took place in Washington, D.C. During this period, the representatives were introduced to the state policy to combat illegal circulation of cultural values. The professional tour continued in Los Angeles, where meetings were held at the Paul Getty Center and the Getty Museum. They shared experience in restoration and preservation of the Museum’s Antiquity exhibits.
During the visit, discussions were held regarding the phased work being carried out under an international project to restore and conserve a rare and valuable artifact—a sculpture of the Buddha’s head discovered in Merv—housed at the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan.
Furthermore, the visit included an introduction to exhibitions, scientific research, and special cultural projects—such as those being developed in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States—at world-renowned scientific and cultural institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum. The delegation’s working visit to the United States continues.
