Nukus is the capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan in northwestern Uzbekistan. Isolated between the Kyzylkum Desert and the Aral Sea basin, it is a fascinating cultural oasis known worldwide for its extraordinary artistic heritage and as the main hub for exploring Karakalpakstan's desert landscapes.
The city's centerpiece is the world-renowned Savitsky Art Museum, often called the "Louvre in the Desert." Founded by collector Igor Savitsky, it houses the world's second-largest collection of 20th-century Russian avant-garde art, rescued and hidden away during the Soviet era alongside an extensive collection of Karakalpak folk art and jewelry. Visitors can also explore the Berdaq Museum of History, learn about Karakalpak culture, and use Nukus as a launching point for journeys to the Aral Sea ship graveyard in Muynak or the ancient desert fortresses (kalas) of Khorezm.