The pearl of the Black Sea coast of Russia attracts tourists with its picturesque nature, developed infrastructure, interesting sights and an abundance of entertainment for every taste. At the disposal of the guests of the resort there are many places where you can have an informative and exciting time with the whole family. Numerous museums in Sochi make it possible to significantly diversify the cultural program of recreation.
Museum of the history of the resort city of Sochi
Located in a historic building with beautiful Corinthian columns. It was founded in 1920 and is one of the oldest cultural and educational institutions in the Krasnodar Territory. Here are unique exhibits that acquaint visitors with the history of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, the cultural traditions of the multinational population and the natural values of the region.
The exposition consists of more than 4 thousand unique items, artifacts and archaeological finds. Fourteen thematic halls contain collections of knives and firearms, antique gold jewelry and medieval coins, household items and works of art, photographs and documents. One of the sections of the institution is dedicated to the diversity of flora and fauna. Stuffed animals of various inhabitants of the deep sea “swim” in an impromptu aquarium.
Of interest are the exhibits that tell the audience about the revolutionary change of power after the First World War, the period of the Great Patriotic War, as well as the formation of the city as an All-Union health resort. The exhibition “Man and Space” is especially popular. Space suits, space suits, special life support items for astronauts are stored in the hall.
Art Museum
It occupies luxurious premises of one of the expressive architectural monuments of federal significance. The majestic building, erected in 1936, is a masterpiece of the classical renaissance. Entering through a monumental four-columned pediment portico, tourists will be introduced to an impressive collection of fine art from antiquity to modern times.
About 6,000 exhibits have been collected in the exhibition halls. These are paintings, icons, graphics, sculptures, art crafts and arts and crafts. The collection is based on paintings by outstanding Russian artists of the 19th-20th centuries. Here you can see the works of I. Aivazovsky, I. Shishkin, V. Serov, V. Polenov and many other famous masters of painting.
Products made of porcelain, majolica, lacquer miniatures, as well as jewelry allow you to get the most out of the cultural values of people who lived in past eras. Sarmatian swords, horse harness, antique silver and other items that have been hidden underground for centuries leave a special impression. Three halls are equipped with modern equipment, with the help of which 3D images of various sculptures and paintings are created.
Garden Museum “Tree of Friendship”
The history of the creation of the Garden-Museum “Tree of Friendship” dates back to 1934, when the scientist F. Zorin decided to conduct a unique breeding experiment. He planted a lemon tree with cuttings of Spanish orange, Japanese mandarin, Chinese kinkan, American grapefruit, and some other citrus varieties grafted into its crown.
Since then, an unusual tree, attracting attention with its amazing appearance, has become a real symbol of friendly relations between the peoples of the whole world. About 650 branches grow on a citrus plant, grafted by guests from 167 countries. A picturesque garden has been laid out around the botanical miracle, where another 60 trees have been planted. The landings were attended by international politicians, artists, scientists, athletes, writers from all over the world.
Walking through the ennobled area among subtropical plants leaves a pleasant impression. Near the garden there is a complex filled with all kinds of souvenirs. They were brought by guests from abroad as a gift to the Tree of Friendship. These are coins, badges, photographs, caskets, figurines, key chains, letters and much more. In total, more than 20 thousand gifts are stored.
tea houses
A popular sightseeing object of the famous resort pearl of Russia are the so-called Tea Houses. Among the dense thickets of the forest there is a wooden tower, in which the dwelling of a wealthy merchant is recreated. In this soulful place, guests can enjoy a traditional Russian tea party with a smoking samovar, delicious sweets and folk songs.
Tourists will have the opportunity to taste Krasnodar tea with a pleasant tart taste and bright aroma. It is grown on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in a picturesque valley. The tea house, built without a single nail, consists of several rooms. The interiors immerse guests in the atmosphere of the XIX century. They reflect the culture and life of the Russian people.
The walls of the premises are decorated with exquisite Vologda lace, as well as Palekh, Khokhloma and Gorodets paintings. The first floor is dedicated to the tasting room. Visitors are treated to several types of tea with pies, honey, jam and other dishes. The second floor of the tower is occupied by an exhibition of interesting handicraft items. These are all kinds of picturesque panels, pottery, samovars, porcelain sets, cups, Dymkovo toys, Zhostovo trays. It is worth looking into the room where glass figurines and lacquer miniatures are collected.
Dacha I.V. Stalin
In the national park of the Khostinsky district of Sochi is one of the 18 country residences of the “father of peoples” – Joseph Stalin. This is the only dacha that has the official status of a museum. The two-story mansion was erected in the shape of the letter P on the top of a mountain range between the impressive Agur Gorge and the Matsesta Valley.
The facade of the building is painted in a dull green color. The well-groomed territory where the building stands is literally immersed in the greenery of lush palms, magnolias and pines. It is generally accepted that the Soviet Leader had a special attachment to the Black Sea coast. At this Sochi dacha, he liked to relax and receive high-ranking guests.
The appearance and interior decoration of the residence have been preserved in their original form. Tourists as part of an excursion group can see the interiors of the premises and pieces of furniture that reflect the character and lifestyle of I.V. Stalin. The strict, simple and ascetic atmosphere attracts attention, which testifies to the dislike of the “leader” of pompous luxury.
The guide will take visitors to the office of the head of the USSR, where you can see a large table, a wardrobe, a narrow sleeping bed and a leather sofa. The silver writing set donated by Mao Zedong is of historical value. Dinners and receptions were held in the fireplace room with a unique wooden ceiling, thanks to which perfect acoustics are felt in the room.
view tower
It is popular among tourists and guests of the Vidovaya Tower resort. The structure was erected in 1977 on Mount Battery, which rises above the central area of the city. The height of the building is 20 meters. During the Great Patriotic War, instead of the tower, artillery pieces were placed, which later gave rise to the name of the mountain.
It offers an amazing panoramic view of the areas built up with residential buildings with their streets and lanes, the Caucasus Mountains and the vast expanses of the Black Sea. The species tower resembles skillfully woven lace in its appearance. Its facade is lined with natural white stone. Today, the building is a small branch of the Sochi Museum of History.
Grandma's house
A private institution founded by winemaker Roman Veslovsky. The entrepreneur, in memory of his grandmother, decided to restore an old house of the 40s and recreate original historical interiors in it. Furniture and household items, Soviet-era utensils and a stove, tools and various other rare items – all this will certainly evoke a bright feeling of nostalgia in visitors. Winemaking is a Roman family tradition.
The owner kindly offers his guests a tasting of homemade alcoholic products. The hut has a cellar filled with oak barrels and glass bottles. It offers a wide range of table, dessert and strong wines. In moderate doses, you should try chacha and tinctures on currants, strawberries and raspberries. Drinks are always accompanied by delicious treats.
The dacha of the singer V. V. Barsova
The list of interesting places in the resort, where tourists are recommended to go, includes the estate of opera singer Valeria Barsova. People's Artist of the USSR was the star of the opera stage of the Bolshoi Theater. She became famous thanks to her gentle and strong voice, which I.V. himself admired. Stalin. From 1947 to 1967, the artist lived in Sochi and actively participated in the cultural life of the city.
For her, a two-story dacha with an outbuilding and beautiful window openings was erected. The first floor of the building is occupied by an exposition dedicated to the biography and creative activity of the artist. The interior decoration immerses visitors in a luxurious atmosphere. The interiors are decorated with high ceilings, stucco elements, columns with capitals, parquet floors and large windows with shutters.
The collection is based on authentic items that belonged to the legendary singer. In the exhibition hall you can see records, concert dresses, books, a piano, rare furniture. Photographs, manuscripts and posters are stored behind the glass showcases of the stands. Of particular value are the unique recordings of the singing of the opera diva.
Museum of N. A. Ostrovsky
Tourists can diversify the cultural program of recreation by visiting the literary and memorial museum dedicated to the outstanding Soviet writer Nikolai Ostrovsky. A series of illnesses and accidents led an active young man to a complete loss of vision and the ability to move. Incredible fortitude and vitality allowed Ostrovsky to work hard and realize himself in the most difficult circumstances.
In 1935, the Soviet government gave the writer a dacha in Sochi, where the last years of the life of the author of the famous novel How the Steel Was Tempered were spent. After the death of the writer, an exhibition of objects belonging to N. A. Ostrovsky was opened. The exposition occupies the premises of the estate, where the original atmosphere of the 30s of the XX century is carefully preserved.
The rooms contain original rare furniture and crockery. Old books, newspaper clippings, photographs, household items, clothes and many other exhibits are presented to the general public. One of the dacha rooms served the writer as an office, dining room, living room and bedroom at the same time. Next to the narrow bed is a table and nightstand. Here you can see a Mercedes typewriter, a gramophone with records, a bookcase and a writing set.
Museum of Ceramics of Yury Novikov
The private studio of ceramics and painting, created by the talented Sochi artist Yuri Novikov, hospitably opens its doors. His works are true masterpieces of a work of art that are recognized throughout the world. In the skillful hands of the master, clay, created according to his own recipe, turned into magnificent products and sculptures.
The exhibition space is located in the halls of Y. Novikov's own house. The studio has an impressive collection of ceramic artist's creations. It consists of paintings, ceramic sculptures, wall dishes, vases and interior compositions. The works amaze with their various forms and colorful paintings.
The main value of the exhibition is a six-meter tiled stove. For its facing, about 600 tiles were used, differing from each other in original images and ornaments. In the studio, visitors can learn the technical side of the clay preparation process.
Museum of the USSR
Tourists of any age will be interested in going to the USSR Museum, which moved from the Olympic Park to Flag Square. This cultural and educational institution allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of the socialist past. The exposition is designed to evoke nostalgic feelings in the adult generation that grew up in those days, as well as to tell young people about the life and culture of Soviet citizens.
Witnesses of a past era will remember their childhood and youth when they see such familiar everyday objects. The museum fund has about 5,000 exhibits, which are over 40 years old. These are all kinds of symbols of the USSR, toys, musical instruments, goods, magazines, books, dishes, kitchen utensils, clothes, busts, furniture, household appliances and many other things.
On the shelves there is a whole toy fleet of cars, bicycles, tractors, mopeds and strollers. A separate corner is dedicated to interesting locations. A room with a furniture set and a sideboard filled with dishes is recreated here. It will be interesting to see the kitchen in the apartment, a school class with desks, a grocery store with food, scales and bills, as well as a hairdressing salon.
In one of the halls, tube receivers, tape recorders, televisions with kinescopes and music players are on display. Slot machines such as Hockey, Tankodrome, Sea Battle are especially popular. It is impossible to pass by devices with sparkling water. Fitness enthusiasts will love the sports corner, which features exercise machines and weights. For a moment, you can become a Soviet tourist: climb into a canvas tent and try on a hiking backpack.
Car Museum
Many surprises await the guests of the Olympic Park, among which will be a visit to the Automuseum. The former House of Fans of the Russian national team houses an impressive collection of Soviet vintage cars. Each carefully restored model is associated with the most interesting historical information.
In total, more than a hundred domestic cars of 1930-1990s are exhibited. The spacious pavilion displays the legendary Seagulls and Pobeda, Muscovites and Zhiguli, Volga and Cossacks, government limousines and cars from the Great Patriotic War.
The collection is rich in trucks, motorcycles, disabled people, as well as special equipment for firefighters, doctors and police officers. Among the models, the first car that was produced in the USSR deserves attention. Its body is made of wood that hides strong armor. It will be interesting to see how the design of the machines has changed over time, and what materials have been used to produce them.
Mechanical Museum of Leonardo da Vinci
Guests of the resort pearl of Russia can have an exciting time at the Mechanical Museum of Leonardo da Vinci. The exposition is based on various inventions of Russian scientists and historians inspired by the ideas of the legendary personality. Many models were assembled according to the drawings of the great Italian.
Inspection of the collection of engineering objects and mechanisms is carried out under the guidance of a professional guide who will demonstrate the devices in action and tell interesting information about them. It will be interesting to learn the history of da Vinci's achievements in the field of mechanics. Upon entering the pavilion, visitors are greeted by reproductions of Leonardo's most famous paintings.
In the exhibition space, you can see with your own eyes a perpetual motion machine, a glider, a catapult, a crossbow, a ship, a collapsible bridge, an armored van, a stone thrower and many other exhibits that cause a lot of positive emotions. Guests of the educational institution are given the opportunity to independently test each invention in order to make sure that it works and is effective.
Electric Museum of Nikola Tesla
Spectacular scientific experiments, visual taming of the electrical element, impressive rides and unique exhibits – all this awaits the guests of the Nikola Tesla Museum. Here adults and children will find something to their liking. They will take part in interactive show programs, witness the wireless transmission of energy, and watch a documentary film about the life and work of a brilliant scientist of his time.
The pavilion is both a scientific lecture hall, an exhibition and an entertainment center. During physical experiments, the professional staff of the institution demonstrates the power of electricity. Tourists will see plasma flasks with an inert gas, real lightning of several million volts, a powerful electromagnetic generator capable of reducing a five-ruble coin in a fraction of a second.
It is interesting to listen to how the piano performs melodies under the influence of lightning discharges. The most courageous daredevils can go to the “Cage of Fear”, which will be bombarded with electricity discharges. The apogee of the show program will be the master of seven-meter lightning, which tames the electric element.
Museum of Archeology
An exhibition of archaeological artifacts has been opened on the territory of the Rosa Khutor ski resort. The exposition is based on ancient objects found during the construction of sports facilities. The unique collection includes household items, tools, jewelry from different eras, animal bones, interesting fossils and much more.
The employees of the complex consider the huge skull of a cave bear to be a significant exhibit. Scientists have established that the beast lived 27 thousand years ago. Modern technologies make it possible to interact with historical materials and view exhibits in their original form.
Interactive platforms and 3D models reproduce prehistoric animals, the development of the area of the Mzymta River basin, the life and life of distant ancestors. It is enough to point the gadget at any of the pictures hung in the museum, as the exhibits come to life appear before your eyes.
Museum of the History of the Adler District
Curious guests of the resort are advised to visit the Museum of the History of the Adlerovsky District. The collection contains more than 14 thousand items. Five exhibition halls are dedicated to a certain historical period in the development of Adler. The exhibits arouse genuine interest among connoisseurs of antiquities and artifacts.
The institution presents archaeological finds that tell about the tribes of ancient people, about places of worship and medieval fortresses. During the excavations, pottery, tools, arrows, jewelry and much more were found. Visitors will learn how the Black Sea coast was annexed to the Russian Empire, how the coastline was created, how the region was settled by settlers from other regions.
Documents and photographs reflect the development of Adler. The exposition introduces viewers to the difficult periods of the revolution and the Civil War. From the first days of the Great Patriotic War, Adler turned into the largest hospital, which received thousands of wounded Soviet soldiers.
Museum of the History of Khostinsky District
It is located in a historic building built before the revolution. Initially, the building served as a people's house. F. Chaliapin and S. Rachmaninov performed their famous works within its walls. V. Mayakovsky performed here, and during the Great Patriotic War, the unsurpassed L. Orlova sang for wounded soldiers and hospital staff.
The exposition introduces visitors in detail to the history of the formation of the resort, which has turned from a small village into a popular tourist region. Manuscripts, photographs, documents, numismatic items, paintings and graphics are exhibited on the shelves.
The most valuable exhibits are the fossils of ancient creatures, whose age reaches 150 million years. In one of the halls there is a collection of clothing, household items, tools of labor of the peoples of the Caucasus of the 19th-20th centuries.
Phytopantasy
Connoisseurs of natural beauties and landscape design should take a walk through the picturesque botanical garden – Fitofantasiya. It is located in the very center of the city next to the Winter Theatre. The appearance of a lush green corner is associated with the name of the agronomist S. Venchagov, who brought to life his idea of creating an “eternal flowering” garden.
Exotic trees and shrubs brought from different climatic zones of both hemispheres grow on a small area of 1300 m2. A well-groomed narrow path is laid between Indian azaleas, American sequoias, Japanese cypresses, as well as agaves, bananas, junipers and other bright representatives of the flora.
Tropical and subtropical plants are harmoniously combined with stones, antique vases, crockery, pottery and various figurines. The special pride of the garden is its wall, covered with ivy, and decorated with niches with shelves. Sculptural compositions are carved from bizarre tree roots. The central part of the garden is occupied by a pond with golden carps and turtles.
Art glass studio
In the village of Kazachiy Brod, next to the trout farm, there is an artistic glass studio. Master glassblowers create real works of art. Skillful products amaze with their beauty, shapes, richness of colors. They are handcrafted and have an exquisite taste. A variety of creative ideas of artists are embodied in unique glass masterpieces.
More than 200 amazing exhibits are exhibited in the halls. These are sculptures with the smallest details, vases, flowers, animal figurines, a series of zodiac signs, holiday souvenirs and other glass specimens. Noteworthy are the figures of people engaged in their professional duties. On the windows you can see football players, boxers, a banker, a golfer, a janitor, a Cossack, a musician, a doctor and other funny people.
Visitors to the studio will have the opportunity to purchase their favorite thing and get acquainted with the production process of products. The master will show the furnace in which he heats the glass mass to 1200 degrees. It will be interesting to watch the work of a glassblower and witness the birth of artistic products.
Arboretum
Pleasant impressions will leave a walk through the Sochi arboretum. An extensive green oasis in the middle of the city is one of the main attractions of the resort. Here, all year round, you can admire numerous exotic plants, fruit and berry bushes, rare trees brought from different countries and continents.
The mountain air, filled with the aromas of pine needles and flowering shrubs, creates a unique healing cocktail for health. The rose garden fascinates with the fragrance of buds and a riot of bright colors. The delightful garden pleases with picturesque alleys, cozy shady paths, white cascading staircases and impressive expositions of domestic and foreign flora.
The area of 49 hectares consists of two zones connected by a cable car. Greek rotundas and sculptural compositions, fountains and ponds, flowerpots and cozy gazebos harmoniously fit into the realm of the tropics. The park complex is famous for its rich collection of oaks, pines, cypresses and palm trees. In addition, various animals and birds live in the arboretum. Raccoons, ostriches, swans, peacocks, turtles and squirrels live here.