The Cultural Heritage Agency commented on the situation around the Museum of Literature
A new building is being constructed for the State Museum of Literature in New Tashkent, until which time the cultural valuables from the museum are being temporarily moved to two institutions. The historic building on Navoi Avenue has been handed over to the State Youth Theatre, which had operated in this building for many years, and has been closed for renovation. The change of the object's owner will not affect its protection as a cultural heritage site.
**Cultural Heritage Agency commented on the situation around the Museum of Literature**
Reports have spread on social networks stating that the building of the State Museum of Literature named after Alisher Navoi is mysteriously being transferred to another organization, posing a risk of damage to the cultural heritage site. On October 16, the Cultural Heritage Agency announced that an investigation had been conducted following these reports.
It is noted that the building located at 69 Alisher Navoi Street, Shaykhantakhur district, is included in the national list of cultural heritage sites and is under state protection.
By government decision, the building was transferred to the State Youth Theatre for free use under the right of operational management.
"Transferring this site to another user absolutely does not change its status as a 'cultural heritage site'.
In accordance with Article 24 of the Law 'On the Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage Sites', regardless of who the user or owner of a tangible cultural heritage site is, the obligation to preserve its exterior and interior appearance in accordance with the protection details included in the site's passport remains in force. A change of user does not cancel legal obligations, but rather places them upon the new user (the theatre).
Historically and architecturally, this site was constructed as the 'Russian Youth Theatre Building', and the State Youth Theatre has been operating in a part of this complex for many years. The reason the building was transferred to the theatre by a government decision marked DSP (For Official Use) is to preserve this complex as a unified cultural and theatre complex and to create conditions for the expanded needs of the theatre (rehearsal halls, dressing rooms, set workshops)," the Cultural Heritage Agency's explanation reads.
It was emphasized that in accordance with legislation, the assignment of immovable tangible cultural heritage objects, which are considered state real estate, under the right of operational management or free use is carried out on the basis of decisions of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. Even though the building is on the list of cultural heritage sites.