HUMO Updates Wayfinding at the Palace of Friendship of Peoples, Preserving the Architectural Character of the Landmark
The new wayfinding system makes the Palace easier and more intuitive to navigate while preserving its architectural and visual identity.
Tashkent, September 24, 2026. Over the past 45 years, the Palace of Friendship of Peoples has become one of Tashkent’s landmark public and cultural spaces. It hosts concerts, performances, international and local events, while the building itself remains an important part of the capital’s architectural landscape.
Built between 1977 and 1981, the Palace continues to play an important role in the city’s cultural life. In 2026, its architectural significance received international recognition as the Palace of Friendship of Peoples became part of the Tashkent Modernist Architecture complex, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside nine other sites.
To mark the Palace’s 45th anniversary, the National Payment System HUMO, in partnership with the Palace administration, implemented a project to upgrade its internal wayfinding system. The key objective was to make the large, multi-level space easier and more intuitive to navigate while preserving the building’s architectural character and visual identity.
The new wayfinding system is designed around a continuous visitor journey, providing the information needed at each stage — from the entrance to the visitor’s seat in the auditorium. Updated maps, floor-standing signs, wall-mounted and suspended wayfinding elements help visitors quickly identify directions and find the right floor, section, row and seat.
The project was developed jointly with the Palace administration at every stage, from concept development to the installation of the wayfinding elements. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the new solutions integrate naturally into the existing architecture without disrupting the building’s visual identity.
“Today, the National Payment System HUMO is more than payment infrastructure. We are part of the everyday lives of millions of people, and it is important to us that the company’s development creates value beyond the financial sphere. The Palace of Friendship of Peoples is an iconic place in Uzbekistan and part of the country’s architectural heritage recognized by UNESCO. That is why, throughout this project, it was essential for us to strike a balance between modern solutions and a careful approach to the building’s architecture.
We wanted not simply to update the signs, but to make the space easier and more comfortable for people to navigate while preserving its character and visual identity. We believe that modern solutions should not replace heritage, but help develop it thoughtfully. This project may also become a first step toward similar HUMO initiatives in other significant public spaces across the country,” said Alexander Sotnikov, Chairman of the Management Board of HUMO.
For the Palace, the wayfinding upgrade forms part of its ongoing efforts to develop the space in line with the evolving needs of visitors.
“Over the past 45 years, the Palace of Friendship of Peoples has become part of the cultural life of several generations of Tashkent residents and visitors. Today, it is important for us not only to preserve the building’s history and architecture, but also to make the space convenient for today’s visitors. The new wayfinding system makes it easier to navigate the large building and helps people feel more confident from the moment they enter. We particularly value the fact that this project was implemented jointly with the National Payment System HUMO during such an important anniversary year for the Palace,” said Isroil Gulyamov, Director of the Palace of Friendship of Peoples.
The upgraded system incorporates several types of wayfinding elements, including entrance maps, floor-standing signs, wall-mounted and suspended signs. All elements are unified by a consistent visual system and guide visitors throughout their journey.
In developing the wayfinding system, the project team considered not only functionality and ease of information perception, but also the architectural characteristics of the Palace. The new elements are designed to complement the existing space rather than compete with its original design.
For HUMO, the Palace of Friendship of Peoples project goes beyond a wayfinding upgrade. It reflects the company’s approach to social initiatives, centered on practical value for people, modern solutions and a thoughtful approach to Uzbekistan’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The project may serve as a starting point for similar HUMO initiatives in other significant public spaces across the country, where modern solutions can make people’s interaction with the urban and cultural environment more convenient while preserving its history and unique character.
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