Zabaykal'skiy Krayevoy Krayevedcheskiy Muzey Imeni A.k. Kuznetsova
About This Museum
Tucked away in Chita, this museum holds a secret: it's one of the oldest in Siberia, founded over a century ago. You'll find it in a grand, historic building that's an attraction all on its own. Inside, the journey through Zabaykalsky Krai is immense, stretching from the age of dinosaurs to the complex Soviet era. It feels less like a sterile gallery and more like a series of fascinating rooms filled with stories.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the stunning collection of Buddhist thangkas and ritual objects, a testament to the region's deep spiritual roots. The natural history hall is another showstopper, dominated by a complete woolly mammoth skeleton that seems to shake the floor. For history buffs, poignant exhibits detail the lives of the Decembrists, the 19th-century Russian nobles exiled to this remote corner.
Visitor Information
It's easy to find at 113 Babushkina Street—just look for the most impressive old building in the area. While you can likely just walk in, checking their website for current hours is always a smart move before you go.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in a magnificent former church, a beautiful example of Russian Revival architecture with its characteristic red brickwork, ornate white window frames, and distinctive onion domes that punctuate the Chita skyline.
Contact & Location
Address: 672000, Центральный район, Чита, городской округ Чита, Забайкальский край, Дальневосточный федеральный округ, Россия
Phone: +7 302 235-55-30
Website: Visit Website