If you have ever visited beautiful Boulder, you may have spotted an eye-catching building that is equal parts colorful and ornate. What is this place with the intricate tilework, vibrant colors, and jaw-dropping woodwork? It is the must-visit Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, and it was gifted to Boulder by its sister city in Central Asia:
Nestled near downtown, the Dushanbe Teahouse is one of the most ornate buildings in the state, with a history as fascinating as the architecture itself.
During his 1987 visit to Boulder, Dushanbe mayor Maksud Ikramov announced that his city would be gifting Boulder the teahouse in honor of the two communities' new sister-city ties.
Constructed over 3 years, the Dushanbe Teahouse was the product of 40 Tajikistan-area artists who hand-crafted each part of the structure before shipping it back to the Centennial State.
When you visit, take time to really study the details, as the exterior of the Teahouse boasts exquisite panels and sconces that resemble traditional Tajikistan architecture.
At the center of the Dushanbe Teahouse are the "Seven Beauties," which represent both a poem and an inspiration of "honesty, virtue and kindness, while denouncing arrogance, villiany, greediness and treachery."
What is a teahouse without - well, tea and food? The Dushanbe Teahouse has those, too, via an extensive brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert menu, plus tea, coffee, wine, and other hot and cold beverages.