Hanging At Dinmukhamed Kunaev's House In Almaty

Ok, it's just an apartment. The former First Secretary, the leader of Kazakhstan for two or so decades, lived among the people, a common man thrust into a Soviet leadership position. Communism, modest men in charge.

Exterior view. It's a snazzy example of swanky, Soviet style Art Moderne.

Hello. Maybe not so common. Do something important and they put your image on a big vase. Front entry hall. Political presents fill the display cases. Look closely and you'll see a croc from Castro. Which was his standard gift. Castro handed them out like cigars to all the leaders he met.

Dining room. There might be more china in the cabinets than in China.

Kitchen. His and hers (his and his?) refrigerators. Getting personal, the toiletry kit. Pink soap, no one is going to ask.

Desk area of Kunaev's office. Big boom box, extra long stereo, reel to reel machine. The leader liked his tunes.

Visiting The Dinmukhamed Kunaev House Museum In Almaty

Dinmukhamed Kunaev was the head of Kazakhstan for two stints between 1960 and 1986. Otherwise known as the First Secretary. Think of him as a governor of a major state. Under his watch, Kazakhstan developed economically with mining and agriculture and Kunaev supervised the development of many of the iconic, Soviet era modern buildings that are now landmarks. Or torn down and forgotten. Such is fickle history.

Museum entrance. The exhibition space is actually in a building near his apartment.

Party identification card. State issue. A display about the Soviet space program, which is still based in Kazakhstan.

Hobbies. A bit aggressive.

The party likes to give awards to the big comrades. Medals, coins, books, whatever the souvenir shop is minting that month.

Action pose, in the waxy flesh. "What five year plan can I help you with?"