Kizhi Museum

Kizhi Museum is an outdoor museum located on Kizhi Island in Lake Onega, Republic of Karelia, Russia, and is part of the Kizhi State Historical-Architectural and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve. The museum showcases a collection of wooden buildings from the 18th century and 19th century, including the famous Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the Intercession. The museum is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia, as well as from Finland, Sweden, and other European countries. The museum's collection is also studied by scholars from Harvard University, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford.

History of the Museum

The history of the museum dates back to the 1950s, when a group of scholars from the Russian Academy of Sciences, including Dmitri Likhachov and Boris Rybakov, initiated a project to preserve the wooden architecture of Kizhi Island. The project involved the relocation of several wooden buildings from surrounding villages to the island, including the Church of the Transfiguration, which was built in 1714 by Russian carpenters using traditional Russian architecture techniques. The museum was officially established in 1960 and has since become a major cultural institution in Russia, with partnerships with Hermitage Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, and Russian Museum. The museum has also collaborated with international organizations, such as UNESCO, International Council of Museums, and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.

Location and Architecture

The museum is located on Kizhi Island, which is situated in Lake Onega, the second-largest lake in Europe. The island is part of the Republic of Karelia, a region known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, with connections to Karelian Isthmus, Vyborg, and Petrozavodsk. The museum's collection includes over 80 wooden buildings, including churches, chapels, and houses, which are examples of traditional Russian architecture and Karelian architecture. The buildings are made of wood, using techniques such as log construction and carpentry, and are decorated with intricate wood carvings and ornamentation. The museum's architecture is also influenced by Byzantine architecture and Orthodox Church traditions, with similarities to St. Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum's collection includes a wide range of artifacts and exhibits, such as icons, wooden sculptures, and traditional clothing from Karelia and other parts of Russia. The museum also has a collection of folk instruments, including the balalaika and accordion, which are used in traditional Russian music and Karelian music. The exhibits are organized into several themes, including the history of Kizhi Island, the culture of Karelia, and the traditional way of life in Russia. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, such as exhibits on Russian art, Karelian art, and Finnish art, in collaboration with State Tretyakov Gallery, Russian Museum, and Ateneum.

Conservation and Restoration

The museum is involved in various conservation and restoration projects, aimed at preserving the wooden buildings and artifacts in its collection. The museum works with experts from Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow State University, and St. Petersburg State University to develop and implement conservation techniques, such as wood conservation and painting restoration. The museum also collaborates with international organizations, such as International Council of Museums and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, to share best practices and expertise in conservation and restoration. The museum's conservation efforts are also supported by Russian Ministry of Culture, Karelian Government, and UNESCO.

Tourism and Visitor Information

The museum is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world, including China, Japan, and United States. The museum offers guided tours, including audio guides and guided tours in several languages, such as English, French, and German. Visitors can also explore the museum on their own, using maps and brochures available at the museum's information center. The museum is open year-round, except for New Year's Day and Christmas, and offers special events and activities, such as folk festivals and craft workshops, in collaboration with Karelian Folk Ensemble and Russian Geographical Society. The museum is also accessible by boat from Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk, and by airplane from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Category:Museums in Russia