# Modernist-inspired café extends Almaty Museum of Arts Khalansky Architects designs a café bridging museum and urban life. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7918fb4e-91a1-4570-bf01-b88405884382 ## A Bridge Between Museum and City Designed by Khalansky Architects, Cafe Alma creates a connection between the Almaty Museum of Arts' exhibition spaces and the surrounding urban environment. The 104-sqm café was conceived as an extension of the museum's public realm, seamlessly integrating with the city's daily life. ## Modernist Architectural Heritage The café draws inspiration from Almaty's mid-century architectural legacy. The geometric clarity, clean lines, and structural simplicity of Soviet modernism and constructivism are evident in the design. A custom-designed curved bar combines steel and wood materials for a precise architectural expression. ## Material Dialogue Sapele wood veneer adds warmth and texture, while stainless steel and terrazzo elements provide industrial contrast. These materials are complemented by Central Asian artworks and Marcel Breuer's iconic chairs, creating historical references within the contemporary space. ## Fluid Spatial Organization The café's flow-through layout connects galleries, interior, and outdoor terrace. This design allows visitors to experience the museum continuously while enabling the café to function both as a destination and an extension of the museum experience. ## Where Culture Meets Design Cafe Alma merges European modernism with Almaty's architectural memory. The space serves as an intersection point for cultural programming, hospitality, and daily urban activities, redefining the role of museums in city life through thoughtful design integration. ## Architectural and Social Impact The project demonstrates how cultural institutions can integrate with public spaces. Khalansky Architects' design creates a shared environment for museum visitors and city residents alike, expanding the social function of cultural venues through innovative spatial solutions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/modernist-cafe-layered-wood-steel-almaty-museum-arts-khalansky-cafe-alma/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._