In the Kirov region, not far from the city of Kotelnich, there is a unique state natural monument - the Kotelnich locality of pareiasaurs. Since 1933, paleontological excavations have been carried out in this area, as a result of which numerous remains of ancient animals were found, many of which are unique. Based on the collected collection, the Vyatka Paleontological Museum was organized, which today anyone can visit.
Organization and grand opening of the museum
The Kotelnich locality of pareiasaurs is a unique natural monument known far beyond the Kirov region. Since 1933, the best Russian specialists, with the help of their foreign colleagues, have been excavating a 25-km section along the Vyatka River. As a result of this work, the remains of ancient animals dating back to the Permian period of the Paleozoic era (260 million years BC) were found. Scientists are engagedsearch, excavation, preparation, conduct a variety of studies and describe the found material. On the basis of an extensive collection of paleontological finds, the Vyatka Paleontological Museum was opened. The history of the creation of this organization is quite simple, a couple of decades before the official opening of the exposition, there was an active discussion of the need to familiarize a wide audience with the unique exhibits found in the vicinity of Kotelnich. In 1994, the museum was solemnly opened and began to receive the first guests.
Vyatka Paleontological Museum: photo and description of exhibits
One of the most interesting and majestic exhibits is the complete skeleton of Tarbosaurus, a predatory lizard discovered in the Gobi Desert by an expedition of Soviet and Mongolian scientists. Visitors are also impressed by the sculptural reconstruction of the head of a Tyrannosaurus rex, made especially for this museum by sculptor A. Skvortsov. The collection also includes skeletons and remains of flying and sea pangolins dating back to the Mesozoic era. The Vyatka Paleontological Museum boasts 180 exhibits of animals from the Paleozoic era. All these are local paleontological finds found in the zone of the Kotelnich locality of pareiasaurs.
The exact address of the museum in Kirov and the cost of visiting
Vyatka Paleontological Museum is located in the central part of the city of Kirov. It got its name from the historical name of the settlement, located on the banks of the Vyatka River. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sundayinclusive. On weekdays and Saturday you can visit it from 10:00 to 18:00. On Thursdays the museum is open from 12:00 to 20:00, and on Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The price of an entrance ticket for adults is 150 rubles, for children and beneficiaries - 100 rubles. You can also order a sightseeing tour for 500 rubles or use the "audio guide" service - 50 rubles. The exact address where the Vyatka Paleontological Museum is located: Kirov, Spasskaya Street, 22. This is a new beautiful building, which is quite difficult not to notice. You can get to the museum by public transport (buses No. 2, 10, 14, 23, 39, 46, 73, 84, 88, 90 and trolleybus No. 1), you need to get off at the Teatralnaya Square stop.
Branch in the city of Kotelniche
If you liked the Vyatka Paleontological Museum, be sure to visit its branch in the city of Kotelnich. It is no less interesting here, visitors will be able to see the unique exhibits of the permanent exhibition. The branch also regularly hosts exhibitions. The exact address of the museum: the city of Kotelnich, Yaranskaya street, house 1. You can visit the exposition on weekdays (Mon-Fri) from 9:00 to 17:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 15:00, Sunday is a day off. The price of an entrance ticket for adults is 110 rubles, for children - 80 rubles. You can also use the "audio guide" service - 50 rubles or order a sightseeing tour - 200 rubles.
Useful information for tourists
Today, the paleontological museum conducts scientific and educational activities. Scientists are still excavating, as well as studying and systematizing the availableexhibits. In the summer season, tourists are offered not only a tour of the permanent museum exhibitions, but also unique excursions with trips to the excavation sites. During such tours, you can see how scientists work and even participate in the search for prehistoric fossils. The Vyatka Paleontological Museum holds a variety of exhibitions, during which you can see exhibits from the organization's "repositories" and learn more about a narrow topic. This exposition will not leave indifferent any visitor. Even if you are not too interested in the natural sciences and fauna of the ancient world, be sure to visit the museum as soon as you get the chance. A lot of new experiences and positive emotions are guaranteed, there are no age restrictions, come with the whole family!
