The cultural programme of the Belgian King’s visit: the Golden Man, James Ensor and Kazakh horses

Beyond the talks and the Business Council, the programme of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s state visit in Astana included an introduction to Kazakhstan’s history, culture and social projects, the Akorda press service reports.

National Museum. On 13 October, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the royal couple toured the museum complex and its exhibition on the heritage of the Great Steppe. The guests paid particular attention to the gold halls with archaeological finds, including the Golden Man from the Issyk burial mound and gold artefacts and reconstructions based on finds from the Berel, Taldy-2, Taksai and Shilikty mounds. In the ethnography hall they learned about the traditions and way of life of the Kazakh people and were shown an exhibition of paintings by Belgian artist James Ensor. The King and Queen signed the Book of Honoured Guests.

Kazakh horse breeding. At the President’s residence, the royal couple viewed thoroughbred horses gifted to Kazakhstan by foreign heads of state, heard about their origins and care, and watched traditional equestrian games.

Children’s rehabilitation centre. The day before, on 12 October, the President and the royal couple visited the National Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Astana. They were told about medical, psychological and educational rehabilitation and the social adaptation of children with special needs, including the use of robotic technologies. The guests talked with children, their parents and medical staff and took part in an interactive programme. The centre treats more than 5,000 patients a year from every region of Kazakhstan.