The state cultural institution historical and ethnographic museum “Shushenskoye” is a unique open-air complex, widely known both in Russia and abroad. Now it is a large state depository of historical, architectural, ethnographic and natural monuments. In addition, it is research, cultural and educational institution.

The history of museum

The history of museum in Shushenskoye dates back to 1925, when it was decided to commemorate the place of exile of V.I. Lenin in this Siberian village at the end of the XIX century. By decision of the inhabitants of Shushensky, the houses of peasants Zyryanov and Petrova, where Lenin lived, were purchased. The memorial place was created there. At first, the exposition was small and the flow of visitors was not big. But when the museum officially joined the Central Museum of V.I. Lenin, a lot has changed: the level of the museum’s work has risen noticeably, constant trained personnel have appeared, the exposition has expanded, the forms of work (lectures, exhibitions) have become more diverse, and the flow of visitors, including foreigners, has significantly increased.

In 1970, to the 100th anniversary of the birth of V.I. Lenin, the museum was transformed into the memorial museum-reserve “Siberian exile of V.I. Lenin”. Now it also includes the preserved architectural and spatial environment of the central part of Shushenskoye for end XIX/ beginning XX century. For the first time in the country, a significant historical and domestic section was included in the exposition of the memorial museum, representing a fragment of the Siberian village in its entirety of economic life. There were 29 estates with almost 200 buildings of various types on the area of ​​6.6 hectares. The museum-reserve also includes memorial places in the vicinity of Shushenskoye and the branch in the Ermakovskoe village. In 1970, the museum-reserve was included in the All-Union Tourist Route.

Over time, it became clear that the name “Siberian exile of VI Lenin” became inappropriate for the museum-reserve, and the question was raised about renaming the museum into the historical and ethnographic museum-reserve “Shushenskoe”.

Musem today

Now the historical and ethnographic museum “Shushenskoye”, in addition to the large sightseeing tour, offers various thematic excursions, for example: “Siberian exile of V.I. Lenin”, “Pottery” and so on (total 64 excursions). Visitors of the historical and ethnographic museum-reserve “Shushenskoye” are introduced to the life and the way of life of Siberian peasants, with inviting old residents and settlers to the houses, where appropriate interiors are recreated; to rural shop with mixed products; to rural municipality with a prison; to the forge and to the drinking establishment (pub).

In the spring, crops, cultivated by peasants at the end of the XIX century, are planted in the gardens. Constant and replaceable exhibitions are created from own funds and funds from other museums. Among them there are the following exhibitions: “Russian icon”, “Magic clay”, “At samovar”, “Clothes of Siberian peasants”, “Furniture of peasant house”, “Farming tools of end XIX/ beginning XX century”, “Metal of XIX century”, “Crafts of Siberian peasants” and others.

Entertainment

The museum has pottery and woodcarving workshop. Cooperative workshop is also being created. During the theatrical excursions and museum holidays, skills, finished products and secrets of mastery are presented. Children’s Museum Center is created in the territory of museum. In creative workshops, children learn about traditional ancient folk crafts: pottery, weaving, embroidery, doll making etc. The organization of mass festivities on the territory of the museum-reserve became the tradition, timed to the folk festivals: “Maslenitsa”, “Pentecost”, “County Craft Fair” and others. According to preliminary requests, folklore and entertainment programs are also conducted.

In the New Year’s holidays there are: “Christmas meetings with Russian antiquities”, “Christmastide”, in the summer: “Siberian gatherings” with traditional folk games and fun, thematic program “Join us for tea” and others. Artistic groups of the museum-reserve take part in the programs: folklore theater, puppet theater “Sunduchok” and folklore band “Pleten”. Also an old wedding ceremony is held in the museum. The collective of the museum-preserve works not only with local residents and guests of the village, but also goes with exhibitions, concert programs and interviews to other regions of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Khakassia and Tuva.

At present, the historical and ethnographic museum-reserve “Shushenskoye” has become one of the most important and attractive sights of Shushenskoye. Now museum facilities occupy total area of ​​about 16 hectares. The museum has an architectural and ethnographic complex “New Village”, a modern “museum-hotel”. The complex consists of six estates, built in the style of the XIX century. The program “Immersion in the life of Siberian peasants of the late XIX – early XX century” is organized here, which includes: excursions around the museum and the “New Village”, overnight in peasant house, Siberian cuisine, master class in crafts developing, photo shoot in folk costumes, Russian bath, horse riding etc.

Ethnographic complex “New village”

In “New Village” there is everything necessary for a full rest of the guests: sauna with billiard room and rest room, cafe, stylized as a city restaurant of the last century, a children’s playground, guarded parking, cable TV, video surveillance and fire protection system. Despite the fact that you will live in the environment of the XIX century, there are all modern conveniences and household appliances for overnight in the houses. “New Village” offers services for organizing corporate and private events, business, congress and event tourism. It also can host up to 30 people at the same time.

Also, the Museum opened “Family Vacation Park” with entertainment for adults and children, souvenir shop is working too.

Detailed information can be obtained by email or by visiting the official website.