Bukhara Biennial 2025: A New Chapter in Central Asia’s Cultural Landscape

From September 5th to November 20th, 2025, the ancient city of Bukhara will become the beating heart of contemporary art in Central Asia. The inaugural Bukhara Biennial, titled “Recipes for Broken Hearts”, will unfold across newly restored historic landmarks in the city, a UNESCO Creative City of Craft & Folk Art. This first-of-its-kind cultural initiative for Bukhara will bring together more than 70 participants from Uzbekistan and around the world, marking one of the most ambitious and diverse art events in the region’s history.

Commissioned by Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and curated by Diana Campbell, the Biennial blends contemporary art with deep cultural heritage. The title draws inspiration from a local legend: the great polymath Ibn Sina is said to have invented the Uzbek staple dish palov to cure a prince’s lovesickness for the daughter of a craftsman. Building on this story, the Biennial imagines art as nourishment for body, mind, and spirit.

An Interdisciplinary Feast for the Senses

The Biennial will present site-specific artworks, performances, culinary activations, and participatory experiences. Visitors can expect:

* Talks with leading contemporary artists

* Music performances on the eve of each full moon

* Chef-led culinary events

* Artisan workshops

* An art history symposium

* Poetry programs and more

Internationally renowned participants include Laila Gohar, Subodh Gupta, Carsten Höller, Jeong Kwan, Elena Reygadas, and Tavares Strachan, alongside talented Uzbek artists, chefs, and designers. Each project will be produced in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s most skilled artisans, reinforcing Bukhara’s position as a crossroads of creativity along the ancient Silk Roads.

Art Within Living History

The Biennial will transform Bukhara’s historic core into an open-air cultural journey. Four restored caravanserais will explore heartbreak as part of life’s journey. The Gavkushon Madrasa will become a space to learn from feelings, the former Khoja Kalon Mosque a place to transcend hardships, and Rashid Madrasa a setting for remembrance and renewal.

Architect Wael Al Awar and his team at waiwai have overseen the restoration, which forms part of a long-term revitalisation plan to preserve Bukhara’s heritage, reactivate its traditional crafts, and connect the city’s legacy with the global cultural stage.

More Than an Event – A New Cultural Era

The Bukhara Biennial is not just a festival; it is the start of a permanent cultural project for the city, creating opportunities for future generations while inviting the world to engage with Bukhara’s living history.

Visiting the Biennial with Pilgrim Travel

As local partners, guides, and coordinators, Pilgrim Travel is proud to contribute to this historic moment. Our team knows every street, story, and secret of Bukhara, ensuring visitors experience the Biennial as more than just an exhibition – but as a journey through time, culture, and artistry.

We offer complete travel solutions for Biennial visitors:

* Custom tours of Bukhara and beyond

* Comfortable transport arrangements

* Assistance with visas and travel documentation

* Opportunities to meet local artisans and explore hidden gems beyond the Biennial venues

For Biennial-related travel arrangements, reach out to our team:

📩 Email: info@pilgrimtravel.org

📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +998 93 383 23 43

🌐 Website: www.pilgrimtravel.org

Whether you are coming for the opening week, a full-moon performance, or to wander the Biennial’s many sites at your own pace, Pilgrim Travel ensures your trip is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.

Mark your calendar for September 5th – the beginning of a cultural story that will echo far beyond Bukhara’s ancient walls.