Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History: history of creation

Irkutsk is one of the oldest Russiancities of Siberia. Its history began in 1661 with the base of the prison set for the collection of the yasak, a tax on the indigenous peoples of the North. For three and a half centuries of its existence in the city, many interesting events took place, and the natives of these places glorified not only their small homeland, but also our whole country. You can learn more about them by visiting the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore (IOCM).

Base

Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore wasfounded in 1782 on the initiative of the governor F. Klitschki. Although Frants Nikolaevich was born in the Czech Republic, which at that time was ruled by the Habsburgs, he was devoted to Russia with all his heart. Having fallen in love with Irkutsk, Klichka did a lot for his prosperity. In particular, he gathered local merchants and respected citizens and urged to make donations for the opening of one of the first local history museums in Siberia and the “bookkeeper” (library).

To local moneybags were more generous, Nickname himselfcontributed a few hundred rubles in gold. Soon the necessary amount was collected, and a committee of founders was created. It includes Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences A. Karamyshev and E. Laxman. Last for many years he traveled through the most reserved corners of Russia and collected a huge collection of minerals, as well as themed herbariums. Most of them were transferred by the scientist to the Museum of the Mining Institute, and the rest he brought to Irkutsk.

History PKI before 1879

In 1851 a branch was opened in IrkutskRussian Geographical Society, under whose administration the museum was transferred. This circumstance contributed to its development and transformation into one of the leading scientific institutions of Siberia. In addition, scholars B. Dybowski and V. Godlevsky, who were actively involved in the study of Lake Baikal and its inhabitants, as well as N. Vitkovsky, I. Chersky and A. Chelanovsky, were exiled from Poland for participation in the Warsaw Uprising.

19th century for the Irkutsk Regional Local HistoryThe museum was also marked by the organization of various expeditions. They aimed to study the Eastern and Central Asian regions of the Russian Empire. Their participants brought from their journeys a lot of ancient artifacts, minerals, national costumes and household items of indigenous peoples of Siberia and the Urals.

Fire

In 1879, the Irkutsk Regional Local HistoryThe museum was badly damaged by a fire that destroyed a large part of the city. He lost his first building, located on Tikhvin Square, and also lost 22,000 unique copies and 10,000 valuable books from the book depository, which was the largest in the Urals.

However, residents of Irkutsk no longer represented theircity ​​without a museum, so very quickly raised the amount necessary for the construction of a new stone building. In addition, they quickly restored the library and donated valuable artifacts, which were to replace artifacts lost in a fire.

Revival

In 1883, the grand openingThe new museum building and the subsequent decade of its team, as well as the progressive public of Irkutsk, sought to complete the collection of the Museum of Local Lore. For this purpose numerous expeditions were organized. This activity was so successful that very soon for those who came to Irkutsk, the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History became a must-see object. Moreover, in the last years of the 20th century, his collections were repeatedly demonstrated at the most prestigious exhibitions, including in Paris and Novgorod.

History of the museum in the 20th century

After the establishment of Soviet power in SiberiaThe Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History (the history of the foundation is presented above) was nationalized, and a new stage of development began. In 1936, the Irkutsk Regional Art Museum was founded on its basis.

In the 50-70s of the 20th century, the USSR took a policydevelopment of the eastern regions of the country. During this period, the PKI became the place where the chronicle of the great Soviet construction projects was written, and documents, photographs and other exhibits related to the builders of BAM, the Irkutsk Hydroelectric Power Station, etc. were collected. Siberia and the Far East, as well as to ensure the economic and military power of the USSR.

Museum today

At the moment, the museum exhibition consists of 8sections. Including: departments of history, nature, work and development from the media and the book fund. In addition, an important role in the cultural life of the city is played by the Museum Studio of the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore, and at July 3, 21, there is an exhibition entitled “Window to Asia”.

The pride of the museum is a valuable collection of archaeological monuments, including nephite products of the new stone age and unique objects belonging to the Buddhist and shamanic cults.

IOCM regularly organizes variouscultural and educational activities, including for children. During such excursions and lectures, young residents of Irkutsk get acquainted with the history of their native city and expand their horizons.

Hotels near the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local Lore

Many of those who come to the capital of Eastern Siberia, tend to settle in the center of the city, where the IOCM is located. Near the museum there are several hotels. Among them:

• Courtyard Marriott;
• "Star";
• "Victoria";
• Irkut;
• business hotel "Delta", etc.

In them you can rent rooms of different categories, differing in price and level of services provided.

Schedule and contacts

The museum is open all days of the week, exceptmonday Opening hours from 10:00 to 18:00. The address of the museum: Karl Marx Street, 11. Telephone for information can be found on the official website. Tickets to the museum cost from 50 to 200 rubles. In PKI you can use a number of additional services. Among them:

• Thematic or sightseeing tour of Irkutsk. Duration 1 hour. Cost 2500 rubles.
• City tour in a foreign language. Duration 1 hour. The cost of 2500 rubles.

Now you know the basic information aboutIrkutsk Regional Museum, which is definitely worth a visit to learn more about this city with a long cultural traditions and people living in Eastern Siberia.