The People’s Friendship Palace is one of the most iconic buildings constructed in Tashkent during the second half of the 20th century. A striking example of seismic modernism, it remains one of the capital’s largest concert venues, hosting weekly performances by leading Uzbek pop artists and internationally renowned musicians.
The palace was completed in 1980 and opened its doors in 1981. The architect behind the project was Evgeny Rozanov, who also designed the Museum of the History of Uzbekistan - a connection reflected in several architectural similarities between the two buildings. In 1982, the Friendship of Peoples Square was created in front of the palace. Originally, it featured a monument to the Shamakhmudov family and a Friendship of Peoples stele, which has since been replaced by a 60-meter flagpole bearing a massive Uzbek flag. One of the architects of the square was Sabir Adilov, known for designing the nearby Courage monument.
The People’s Friendship Palace has a square layout, with facades adorned by rhythmic panels of unusual shapes. These panels not only provide shade but also create air currents that improve ventilation - an effective solution for cooling the building in Tashkent’s hot climate. Inside, the main concert hall accommodates 4,000 people and features an amphitheater and multiple balconies. The foyer is richly decorated: the ceilings are illuminated by exquisite chandeliers, and the walls are covered with large ornamental panels that guests can admire while waiting for the performance to begin.
Over nearly half a century, the People’s Friendship Palace has hosted thousands of concerts, summits, and meetings between heads of state. For enthusiasts of Soviet architecture, it remains a compelling discovery. Two interesting historical notes add to its story: in 1994, the palace appeared on the reverse side of the 100-sum banknote - the highest denomination at the time - though the bill was withdrawn from circulation in 2019 and is now a collector’s item. Between 2008 and 2018, the palace was renamed Istiklol, meaning “Independence”.
Today, the People’s Friendship Palace remains one of Tashkent’s premier concert venues, known for its good acoustics and modern sound equipment. While it is not typically included in standard Tashkent tours, it often features in excursions focused on 20th-century architecture. It is also easy to visit independently, as it is located directly beside the "Xalqlar doʻstligi" metro station.