Sea Museum of The Polar Odysseus Club, Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, Russia

The National Museum of the Republic of Karelia is one of the oldest museums of the Russian North-West. It has more than 200 thousand depository items. The Museum deals with history, local lore, traditional culture of Karelian people and the study of the natural features of the Russian North.

The Museum was established in 1871. Its establishment was initiated by Olonets Governor G.G.Grigoryev. The Museum shared the building in Circular Square where the Governor’s residence was.

The building is a part of the architectural ensemble built in the 1780-1790s in Circular Square. The Museum opened up for visitors on June 29, 1783. Its first name was “The Olonets Museum of Natural and Industrial History and Ethnography”.

Under the Soviets the Museum remained under the supervision of the People’s commissariat for education. In 1928 it changed its status and became the Karelian State Museum.

Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound

building Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!
image