The last time the building underwent repairs was in the 1980s, and the artistic paintings on the walls and dome were added later. The restoration of these paintings is being handled by artists Valery and Alisa Katrevich.
Alisa shared: "We are currently restoring the ornamental frieze, which has suffered greatly from the prolonged inactivity of the building. It was important to match the colors used by our artist in 1997 to preserve the original appearance. We aimed for it to look as if we had just carefully restored it and left."
The Philosophy of the Dome: "Calmness, Not Luxury"
For the artists, it was important not only to restore the visual elements but also to convey the atmosphere of this place. "The colors here are muted and unobtrusive. It's not about luxury, but about calmness and coziness. I ask everyone who comes in, 'How do you feel here?'—and everyone replies that they feel calm. Traditional Kyrgyz ornaments and smooth color transitions, along with the famous sculpture by Olga Manuilova, 'Girl with Fruits,' create a unique atmosphere here," Valery emphasized.He also noted that it was very sad to watch the condition of the pavilion deteriorate. "This place is the zero kilometer, and I wanted tourists and locals to be able to enjoy it. Now it is a true gift for the city," the artist added, specifying that before the painting, all communications were completely updated: water supply, sewage, and electricity, as well as the restoration of the fountains and the installation of a new ventilation system.
It is worth noting that the project is fully funded by a private investor.
What Will the Updated "Ak-Suu" Offer?
The concept of the new "Ak-Suu" envisions the creation of a family space. There will be no alcohol, but traditional treats will return: ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages."We plan to offer carbonated drinks and interesting refreshing cocktails. There will also be a children's playground and a workout area. This will become a true family café where we will try to offer the locals what they are missing," said the founder of the fund.
