"Small Korely" - a museum where the history of Russia comes to life

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

We can learn about the life and life of people in previous centuries from ancient legends and traditions, as well as from artifacts preserved in museums. What do you think about the idea of going for a weekend to a real northern village of the 16th-19th centuries? There is such a place, and it is located very close to the large modern city of Arkhangelsk. The architectural and museum complex "Malye Korely" is located on a vast territory and is one of the largest museums of wooden architecture in the country.

Start of large-scale reconstruction

Back in 1963, architects were worried about the preservation of ancient monuments of Russian architecture. Unique and unusual buildings have been preserved in many places where people lived from ancient times. However, the problem was that it was usually a solitary church or residential building in a remote village. In this case, the object is not protected properly, is not restored in a timely manner, as a result of which it simply deteriorates and collapses.

The Chief Architect of the Arkhangelsk Specialized Research and Production Workshop started creating a unique museum complex. A picturesque place was chosen, and almost all the surroundings of the city of Arkhangelsk were examined in search of monuments of Russian architecture.

In 1974 the museum "Small Korely" was opened, and its first visitors could see 11 old buildings for various purposes at once. The complex got its name in honor of the village located nearby.

Museum development history

Today the museum complex is a member of the Association of European Open Air Museums. And in 1996, "Small Korely" was included in the State Code of Especially Valuable Cultural Heritage Objects of the Peoples of the Russian Federation. The year 2012 is also noteworthy in the history of the museum, when it received the prestigious “Property of the North” award.

Today, the exposition includes about 120 buildings of various types and purposes. Among them are residential buildings, outbuildings, and majestic temples. The exhibits are united by the fact that they are all built of wood and without a single nail. All architectural monuments were created in the 16th-20th centuries, completely dismantled for transportation, after which they were restored and assembled on the territory of the museum.

Architectural monuments

Today, the total area of the museum is about 139.8 hectares. Its uniqueness lies not only in its scale, but also in its organization. All architectural monuments are inscribed in the surrounding landscape and look as natural as possible. For the convenience of tourists, "Small Korely" are divided into several sectors (mini-villages): Mezensky, Pinezhsky, Dvinsky, Kargopolsko-Onega. While visiting the museum, you can admire not only the architectural forms, but also learn more about the life of our ancestors. In some buildings, the interior decoration has been restored, services are held in churches, and even from the bell towers, ringing is heard from time to time.

In addition to farmsteads, barns, churches and chapels, the pride of the complex is windmills, there are 7 of them in total, and one has a restored working mechanism. Also in the museum you can see wells, ancient vehicles, benches and fences - such as those used by our ancestors. The Museum of Wooden Architecture "Malye Korely" regularly holds various festivals and folk festivals on major holidays, with the same true Russian flavor and immersion in a bygone era.

Opening hours and fees

You can visit the museum at any time of the year. It is open for tourists daily from 10:00, closes in summer at 19:00, and in winter - 17:00. You can see the monuments of architecture on your own or accompanied by a guide as part of an organized group. Guests are offered several excursion service programs that differ in theme, duration and cost. The price of an adult ticket is 100-150 rubles, there are discounts for students, pensioners and children.

How to get to the Malye Korely Museum?

The architectural and historical complex is located 25 kilometers from Arkhangelsk. Get to itYou can use private or public transport. You should be guided by the village of Malye Korely - it is near it that the reserve of the same name is located. Buses No. 104, No. 108, No. 111 follow to the desired settlement. Many travel agencies of the city offer excursions with a transfer to the museum and back to the city. If you are driving a private car, it is most convenient to use the navigator or follow the signs. If the place of your vacation or business trip is Arkhangelsk, "Malye Korely" is a must-visit place. Only here you can enjoy all the splendor of northern architecture in its original form. Everyone will be interested in visiting this museum, but if in doubt, come here for a holiday or one of the festivals.