Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History: history of creation

Irkutsk is one of the oldest Russian cities in Siberia. Its history began in 1661 with the founding of a jail, set to collect yasak, a tax from indigenous peoples of the North. For three and a half centuries of its existence in the city there have been many interesting events, and the natives of these places have glorified not only their small homeland, but our entire country. To learn more about them, you can visit the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History (IOCM).

Base

Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History was founded in 1782 on the initiative of the Governor F. Klichka. Although Franz Nikolaevich was born in the Czech Republic, which at that time was under the rule of the Habsburgs, he was wholeheartedly devoted to Russia. Having loved Irkutsk, Klichka did much for his prosperity. In particular, he gathered local merchants and respected townspeople and called for donations to open one of the museums of local lore in Siberia and the "book-keeper" (library).

To the local moneybags were more generous, Klichka himself contributed several hundred rubles in gold. Soon the necessary amount was collected, and a founders' committee was created. It included Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences A. Karamyshev and E. Laxman. The last many years traveled to the most reserved corners of Russia and collected a huge collection of minerals, as well as thematic herbariums. Most of them the scientist passed to the Museum of the Mining Institute, and the rest was brought to Irkutsk.

History of IOIC until 1879

In 1851, the branch of the Russian Geographical Society was opened in Irkutsk, under which the museum was transferred. This circumstance contributed to its development and transformation into one of the leading scientific institutions of Siberia. In addition, scientists who were exiled from Poland for participating in the Warsaw Uprising, scientists B. Dybovsky and V. Godlevsky, who actively studied the Baikal and its inhabitants, as well as N. Vitkovsky, I. Chersky and A. Chelanovsky were involved in the museum activities.

The 19th century for the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History was also marked by the organization of various expeditions. They had as their goal the study of the eastern and central Asian regions of the Russian Empire. Their participants brought from the trips many ancient artifacts, minerals, national costumes and household items of indigenous peoples of Siberia and the Urals.

Fire

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

However, residents of Irkutsk no longer represented their city without a museum, so they quickly collected the amount needed to build a new stone building. In addition, they quickly restored the library and donated valuable exhibits that were supposed to replace artifacts lost in the fire of a fire.

Revival

In 1883, the grand opening of the new museum building took place and throughout the next decade his team, as well as the progressive public of Irkutsk, sought to replenish 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 an object of compulsory attendance. Moreover, in the last years of the 20th century, its collections were repeatedly shown 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 Siberia, the 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 on its basis the Irkutsk regional art museum was founded.

In the 50-70s of the 20th century, the USSR took a policy to develop the eastern regions of the country. During this period, the IOCM became the site where the chronicle of the great Soviet construction projects was written, and documents, photographs and other exhibits were collected about the builders of the Baikal-Amur Mainline, the Irkutsk hydroelectric power station , etc. Today they make it possible to comprehend the heroic work of the older Russians who did not spare their efforts to master 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 exposition consists of 8 sections. Including: the departments of history, nature, work and development with the media and the book fund. In addition, the Museum Studio of the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History plays a big role in the cultural life of the city, and at the address on July 3, 21 the exposition "Window to Asia" operates.

The pride of the museum are valuable collections of archeological monuments, including jade products of the new stone age and unique items belonging to Buddhist and shamanic cults.

The IOMC regularly organizes various cultural and educational activities, including for children. During such excursions and lectures young Irkutsk residents 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, strive to settle in the city center, where the IOCM is located. Near the museum there are several hotels. Among them:

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

They can rent rooms of different categories, differing in price and level of services.

Schedule of work and contacts

The museum is open all days of the week, except Monday. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00. Address of the museum: Karl Marx street, 11. The telephone for inquiries can be found on the official website. Tickets to the museum cost from 50 to 200 rubles. In IOKM you can use a number of additional services. Among them:

• A thematic or sightseeing tour of Irkutsk. Duration 1 hour. The cost of 2500 rubles.
• Excursion around the city in a foreign language. Duration 1 hour. The cost of 2500 rubles.

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