The ancient city with a long history is located on the Volga and is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. It has preserved many monuments of cultural heritage, unique architectural structures. The majestic ensemble of the Kazan Kremlin has become the hallmark of the city.
The only Russian branch of the famous “Hermitage” of St. Petersburg operates in the city. The doors of the largest treasury of art were opened in the Museum of Fine Arts of Tatarstan, etc. To get acquainted with the city, it is proposed to visit the museums of Kazan from our list.
Kazan Kremlin
The Kazan Kremlin can rightfully be considered the heart of not only the city, but the entire Republic. Tatar and Russian cultural traditions coexist perfectly on its territory, and the domes of the Cathedral of the Annunciation coexist with the minarets of the Kul-Sharif mosque.
There are many architectural objects on the territory of the Kremlin that deserve attention. A detailed acquaintance will take several days, but a quick overview with a guide fits into 1.5 hours. So, what should you pay attention to first of all?
If you are lucky enough to be in Kazan in good weather, then you definitely need to wander around the territory and take a look at the leaning Syuyumbike tower, the cathedral and mosque mentioned above, the Transfiguration Monastery, the Governor's Palace.
However, do not be upset if it is raining outside. And in such a situation, acquaintance with architectural values can be replaced by a trip to the Kremlin museums and get acquainted with expositions dedicated to Islamic culture, the history of the republic, the Great Patriotic War, as well as an art exhibition, which is a branch of the St. Petersburg Hermitage.
The Kazan Kremlin is not difficult to find, it is located in the city center, near the Kremlevskaya metro station. Those who decide to get to the heart of the Tatar capital by land transport can use buses and trolleybuses, the landmark will be the Bauman Street stop.
There are quite a few routes through it. Entrance to the territory of the Kremlin is free. But for a ticket to each of the museums will have to pay separately. It is also better to check the schedule of their work on the official website before the visit.
National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan
It is one of the symbols of the city. It is located in the Gostiny Dvor building, which is an architectural monument, but the most interesting things await guests not outside, but inside. Its history began quite a long time ago, in 1895.
Since then, it has repeatedly changed its name, location, but the essence has remained unchanged – this is the most important scientific research cultural center in the Republic, which is simply of tremendous importance for local residents. After all, it is here that they make sure that the Tatar culture is not only not forgotten, but also treated with care and respect.
It so happened that the basis of the exposition has always been private collections. One of the first was the personal collection of A.F. Likhachev, a well-known historian and archaeologist.
For almost his entire life, he collected interesting items found during excavations, and ultimately decided to make them public. It is interesting that to this day it exists not only with public funds, but also with the money of sponsors.
It is located in the city center, in house number 2 on Kremlevskaya street, near the metro station of the same name. You can get to it using the subway or by buses and trolleybuses – there are enough routes here.
You can visit any day except Monday from 10-00 to 18-00 (on Friday, the working day is one hour shorter, until 17-00).
Kazan Academic Theater named after Kachalov
The Kazan Academic Theater has been attracting art lovers for hundreds of years. Its history began back in 1791, when the local governor Barataev first gathered a small troupe. Later, it expanded significantly, mainly due to the serfs of local landowners.
Since then, a lot of water has flowed. Today, the troupe consists of professionals and collects full houses both at home and on tour. Only one thing remains unchanged.
Actual speeches are always heard from the Stage of the Kazan Academic Theater, everyday and lofty questions are posed here, and answers will certainly be found. And even in Soviet times, when one could easily end up in places not so remote for having one's own opinion, people here were not afraid to express it.
Today, the repertoire of the Kachalov Theater is quite extensive. Both the well-known productions based on the plays of Chekhov and Pushkin, and performances based on modern works, rather ambiguous and controversial, are staged here. But nevertheless, despite the disputes of critics, the hall is always full. Moreover, even theater-goers from the capital come here.
Of course, most of the performances of the Kazan Academic Theater are designed for an adult audience. However, there are also several children's shows that are shown in the morning.
The cradle of art of Tatarstan is located at 48 Bauman Street.
You can get to it by bus or trolleybus (there are quite a lot of routes here), the nearest stop is Bauman Street. Evening performances traditionally start at 18:00, children's performances at 11:00. Ticket offices are open from 10:00 to 19:00.
Chamber Chaliapin Hall
The Chamber Chaliapin Hall, located in the bell tower of the Church of the Epiphany, can be attributed to the new sights. However, in such a short time it has already managed to gain popularity among music fans and just curious tourists.
The hall itself is small, and the atmosphere here is created rather than a concert hall, but a salon one. At the same time, excellent acoustics contribute to the success of each of the performances.
The repertoire is constantly changing, because not only invited musicians, but also art historians and even writers perform on stage. At the chamber hall there is a small museum dedicated to the life and work of F.I. Chaliapin.
The biography of this singer is very closely connected with Kazan, and there is nothing surprising in the fact that many of his personal belongings have been preserved here. Guests can see with their own eyes the legendary cabinet grand piano, as well as letters, posters, records and much more.
In the hall, when there are no concerts, you can watch films about Fedor Ivanovich, as well as listen to recordings of his performances. In general, despite the fact that the exposition occupies a small area, it will certainly take a lot of time to visit it.
The Chamber Chaliapin Hall is located on Bauman Street, at 78.
The nearest metro station is Gabdulla Tukay square.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12-00 to 18-00, but it is better to check the schedule of concerts just before the visit.
Literary and Memorial Museum of Gorky
Kazan is the birthplace of many famous people, including the life and work of Maxim Gorky and the singer Fyodor Ivanovich Chaliapin. The exposition is dedicated to them. The location was not chosen by chance.
At the end of the 19th century, a bakery was located in a two-story house on the current Gorky Street, where the future famous writer worked as an assistant and ancillary workers. Today, interiors have been recreated in the halls, personal belongings of Gorky and Chaliapin, as well as other exhibits related to their work, including personal letters and draft notes, have been collected.
In addition to the exposition itself, there is a literary cafe Stray Dog. Creative evenings are constantly held here, art lovers and the city's intelligentsia gather. In addition, the walls are decorated with the Silver Age collection. It is unusually pleasant to drink a cup of coffee or dine in such an environment, even if you fail to get to a concert or a performance of writers.
It is located on Gorky Street, at 10. Not far from it there are two bus stops – Gogol Street and the Tenchurin Theater.
Doors are open every day except Friday, from 10-00 to 17-00. But about ongoing events, it is better to check on the official website. By the way, tickets for them are not cheap, since the cafe is not too big, and there are traditionally a lot of people who want to visit it.
Boratynsky Museum
Evgeny Abramovich Boratynsky, one of the famous poets of the Pushkin era, was not born in Kazan, but life connected him and his descendants with this city with strong threads. Nowadays, a museum has been opened in the wing of the city family estate, the exposition of which is dedicated to the life and work of one of the stars of Russian literature of the 19th century.
Thanks to art historians and the descendants of Yevgeny Abramovich, the house managed not only to recreate the atmosphere, but also to collect quite a lot of personal belongings of the poet, today the collection has more than 4,000 thousand exhibits. Including collections of poems published during his lifetime.
By the way, it may seem strange to some, but the complex was based on enthusiasm for a long time, the authorities paid attention to it only in the early 90s. Prior to this, the exposition was located in the most ordinary office of the city school No. 34.
Of course, most of the stands are dedicated to Evgeny Abramovich. However, among them there are those that mention and talk about his friends – A.S. Pushkin and A. Dalvige. Their works are also found in expositions.
In the spacious halls creative evenings are periodically held, as well as annual literary readings. To visit them is a great success, especially for those who consider themselves an admirer of literature.
It is located at Maxim Gorky Street, 25/28.
You can get to it by bus, trolleybus or tram, the nearest stop is Tolstoy Street. Doors are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Tatarstan
One of the largest collections of paintings in our country. It is located in a luxurious mansion that once belonged to the commander of the troops of the Kazan district, and attracts even those who are completely indifferent to artistic delights.
Here you can get acquainted with the works of European and Russian artists of the 16th-19th centuries, as well as the masters of the brush of the Soviet era. A hotel place is occupied by paintings made by Tatar authors and dedicated to the national traditions of the Republic.
In addition, this is the only exposition in our country where you can study in detail the work of N.I. Feshin. By the way, specialists from all over the country often come here for this. Pride is a collection of icons that were once taken out of the cathedrals of Sviyazhsk and are still here today.
In addition to the main exposition, there is a bell tower, which is definitely worth climbing at least in order to look at Kazan from a bird's eye view and admire its beauty.
It is located in the central part of the city, on Karl Marx Street, 64.
The exposition is open on any day except Monday from 10-00 to 17-45 (on Saturday – until 16-45, on Friday from 12-00 to 21-00).
Museum-apartment of Musa Jalil
Among the Tatars, Musa Jalil is not just a writer, but a real national hero. After all, he contributed to the development of national culture, and not only on the territory of the Republic, but throughout the Soviet Union. Despite the fact that he was born not in Kazan, but on the territory of the Orenburg province, his life was mainly connected with this city.
It is not surprising that they decided to perpetuate his memory by opening a personalized museum. It consists of two separate apartments, one of which is a memorial, the second is used as an exhibition hall, where books and personal belongings of the writer are exhibited.
Once a year, on February 15, a holiday is held – the Day of the Original. Visitors have a unique chance to see the famous “Moabit Notebooks”, which were written during their stay in the fascist occupation.
In addition, there is a small literary lounge, where meetings of admirers of Musa Jalil's work are regularly held, and young Tatar authors present their works. For younger guests, there is an interactive exhibition “Visiting Musa”. This is not just an excursion, but a real journey into the world of national literature.
It is located at Gorkogo street, house 17.
You can get to it by metro. The nearest station is Gabdulla Tukay Square.
Doors are open on any day except Sunday, from 10-00 to 17-00.
Sharif Kamal Apartment Museum
Sharif Kamaletdinovich Kamal is a famous Tatar writer and public figure. He was the first writer in the Republic, in whose honor a personalized museum was opened in 1950.
Which, in general, is not accidental, because the works of Kamal are practically a reference book for everyone who is fond of Tatar literature. In addition to the author's works, which raised important social issues, among his merits is the translation of Sholokhov's Virgin Soil Upturned, one of the first and most successful.
He was one of the first in the republic to talk about the fact that being rich is not so good, and women have the same rights as men. The writer's apartment consists of two rooms – a memorial room, in which the furnishings and interior are recreated.
Guests can not only get acquainted with the work and life of Kamal, but also get an idea of the life of the Tatar intelligentsia in the first half of the 20th century. The second room is a creative living room, where literary evenings, meetings and readings are held to this day.
Including for students. The last employees are especially attentive and try to make each visit not only informative, but also exciting.
Located at Ostrovskogo street, 15.
Getting to it is not so easy – from the metro station Gabdulla Tukay Square you will have to stray through the streets.
It works from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. You will have to pay extra for the tour guide.
Museum of Konstantin Vasiliev
Konstantin Vasiliev is one of the Soviet artists who was not recognized during his lifetime. The topics on which he wrote were not too popular then, depicting epic heroes, fairy-tale characters and mythological creatures on canvases.
Glory and fame of his work gained after the death of the author. Today, most of them, more than 150, are collected in the collection of the Kazan Museum, opened in 2013. Although in fact it appeared much earlier, back in the 90s. But it was located far from the center and did not attract tourists too much.
Today the complex consists of five spacious halls, the interiors of which are decorated in a minimalist style. After all, according to art critics and connoisseurs of painting, Vasiliev's works require special awareness and nothing should distract from them.
By the way, the director was a friend of the artist, and meeting him in one of the corridors today is a real success. Despite his high position, he is happy to communicate with visitors and talk about the life of the author of the paintings.
In addition to the exposition, which attracts tourists, there is its own art base, where art classes for schoolchildren are held. It is located in the center, on Bauman street 29/11.
You can get to it on foot from the metro station Kremlevskaya.
Opening hours from 10-00 to 18-00, Monday is a day off.
Tukay Museum
The name of Gabdulla Tukay is found quite often in Kazan – a metro station, a street, a theater and much more are named after him. Local literary critics put his name on a par with A.S. Pushkin and M.Yu. Lermontov. Indeed, it is Tukay who is considered the founder of the Tatar language and national literature.
It is not surprising that the exposition dedicated to him is located in one of the most luxurious mansions of the Old Tatar settlement. By the way, one of the exhibitions is devoted to her, in which objects of Tatar life are presented. But still, the main exhibits are the personal belongings of Gabdulla Tukay, collections of his works published during his lifetime and after his death. Also here you can see the death mask of the writer.
In another exposition hall, guests have the opportunity to get acquainted with the social and cultural life of Kazan in the late 19th – early 20th century. In addition, you can look into the lecture hall, where scientifically significant events and creative meetings are periodically held, as well as a small bookstore.
There are also two clubs at once – in one, teachers of the Tatar language and literature are engaged, in the other – everyone who wants to study its wisdom and national traditions. It is located on Tukay street, at house 74. Directly opposite the entrance there is a public transport stop – Cinema named after G. Tukay.
The exposition is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Saidasheva Museum
In Tatarstan, they are very sensitive to everything related to local culture, customs and traditions. It is not surprising that the composer, Salih Saidashev, who is considered to be the founder of Tatar folk music, is revered no less than Mozart in his homeland, Austrian Salzburg.
The museum dedicated to the life and work of the composer has collected a huge number of exhibits related to him. These are the notes on which the maestro played, and photographs, and personal belongings, and furniture from his house, and, of course, musical instruments. There is even a death mask here – not many famous people are honored with such an honor.
Local guides are enthusiastic and respectful. I greet each group cordially and the story turns out to be more vital than official. What can not but rejoice tourists.
In addition to the exhibition hall, there is a salon where evenings and concerts are regularly held. Art connoisseurs come here from the capital itself to share opinions and listen to contemporary Tatar musicians.
It is located at 13 Gorkogo Street, not far from the Gabdulla Tukay Square metro station.
You can get into it on any day except Monday, from 10-00 to 17-00.
Museum of the History of the Annunciation Cathedral
The new state institution is located in the oldest monument of Orthodoxy in Kazan. It is included in a small number of museums in the world, working at the temple. Interesting displays have a double effect on a person in this holy place.
They spiritually enrich it, fill the soul with special values. The expositions feature over 100 objects, elements of works of art, documents related to the history of the Orthodox Church, from the 16th century to the present.
It is of interest to consider Orthodox books, icons made in different styles, old photographs of monuments that adorned the pre-revolutionary city. The staff of the first archbishop of Kazan is kept here. Sviyazhsky Gury Kazan Wonderworker was one of the most revered saints in Russia. You can see the original copy of the carriage presented to Catherine II in 1767.
The expositions are made using modern technologies and allow you to watch Orthodox films. Look into any corner of the cathedral and view its wall paintings with the help of an electronic kiosk. You can even learn how to write pictures in ancient script by attending the master class “Old Russian Calligraphy”.
Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan
Interest in the emergence of our planet of its mountains, oceans, volcanoes increases with the advent of new instruments, research methods. Gradually, the bowels of the earth reveal their secrets.
Scientific discoveries confirm many interesting moments of her life. Before us appear the skeletons of really wandering mammoths, dinosaurs, cave bears, woolly rhinos, huge marine animals. New minerals are being discovered, elements of the periodic table, born during volcanic eruptions.
Information about the geological processes of the planet has been proposed since 2006 at the Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan (the only scientific and educational center of this type in the Volga region). New artifacts appear here every year.
They are brought from paleontological, mineralogical expeditions. The first expositions were organized from the materials of Stukenberg, taken from the Kazan University.
Acquaintance with exhibitions takes place in a traditional and modern interactive form. It is proposed to communicate with the inhabitants of the Ice Age, walk next to a huge lizard, feed prehistoric fish in an aquarium. View distant planets with an interactive telescope.
Take part in excavations, pretending to be a paleontologist. Uncover the secrets of the appearance of man on earth.
“Mishkin House”
This kind, cheerful beast accompanied the childhood of all children. White and yellow, big and small bears made of wood, plastic, soft plush fabric (and even filled with sawdust) were family favorites, best friends for kids. To remember these times, to show unique toys to children and grandchildren is offered in the original museum located in the center.
About 300 different Bears settled in a log house, in a specific place, doing their usual things. Someone flies in a balloon, plays the balalaika, saws firewood, drinks tea with honey, and the laziest bear in a striped knitted clothes lies in a hammock.
Each bear has its own story with a corresponding entourage. It is proposed to familiarize yourself with it at the entrance to the house. A cozy atmosphere of a real hearth with grandparents, cats and dogs is created.
A huge bear greets the guests of his home and invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of children's magic. The creator of favorite characters are students of the theater and art school of Kazan.
Their ideas are realized not only by the elements of interesting expositions, but also by means of an exciting game. Children solve riddles, complete tasks. They participate in attractions near a real lair, make wishes under the Wizard tree.
Museum of Islamic Culture
The study of the history of the appearance, the birth of the traditions of Islamic culture in the Volga region is an important and interesting task. Islam is famous for its rich system of educational methods, which influenced the formation of the nation of Tatarstan. It is proposed to learn the special moments of its development in an institution located in the Kud Sharif Mosque.
Here are exhibits, collections related to the history of Muslim civilization. They are united in three main directions “Book culture of the Tatar people”, “Islam from the era of reformism to the modern period”, “Muslim civilization of the Volga region: from Bulgar to Kazan”.
An interactive exposition with multimedia elements has been designed. Among them are the “Interactive window in the “Enlightener's Cabinet” with views of the old Kazan, the reconstruction of the architecture of the “Kazan Kremlin” in 3D,” Scrolling Koran “.
The last sentence is considered the central exhibit of the exhibitions. The Qur'an was published in 1803 and is the first edition in Arabic produced by Muslims.
During the excursions, it is offered to get acquainted with the facsimile of the unique manuscripts of the Holy Book, to hear the sound of the suras of the Koran. This is the only unique archive of documents of the Islamic world of the Turkic-Tatar peoples in Russia.
House-Museum of V.I. Lenin
The life of the Ulyanovs is connected with staying in the city. Vladimir's father studied at the university here and graduated with honors. According to the established tradition, they all came here together every year, and in 1888 they moved to the Orlovs' house.
It was a two-story wooden mansion with a cozy balcony and surrounded by a small garden. The building is a typical building of a city house of the second half of the 19th century, in which the Russian intelligentsia lived.
Despite the fact that the family lived here for about a year, the stage of formation of the political views of the future leader passed in this house (he became a supporter of the positions of the Marxists). In November 1937, one of the first museums in the capital dedicated to the life of V.I. Lenin was opened in the house.
In the premises, the old atmosphere from the life of the family has been completely preserved. She best of all tells about the conditions for the formation of the personality of a leader with revolutionary views.
The collections contain true documents, photographs, books, numerous photocopies demonstrating the historical events of the era. Many documents reveal interesting pages of his biography.
On their basis, guidebooks, booklets were published, expositions were formed in Kokushkino, where Lenin was in exile for participating in a student revolutionary gathering in 1887.
House-Museum of E. A. Boratynsky
The era of Pushkin is famous for a large number of names that entered the history of literature, art, and scientific discoveries. Among them, the name of the poet stands out as a bright star: the master of philosophical lyrics, elegy of E. A. Boratynsky.
Despite the fact that the poet spent most of his life in St. Petersburg, Kazan was for him a small homeland, the place of life of his ancestors. Several generations of the poet lived in Kazan and its environs (provinces of the 19th-20th centuries). He often came here.
It became possible to visit the old manor of the city, get acquainted with archival documents reflecting the life of the great poet, since March 1977. There are more than 4,000 exhibits here, transferred from the family archives of the poet's relatives living in different cities and countries.
During the excursions it is offered to see the poet's memorial things, documents, photographs, rare editions of previous centuries. Among them there is a unique portrait of Leo Tolstoy, painted during his lifetime, a lifetime portrait of Irakli Boratynsky.
The younger brother of the poet was the governor of Kazan. A desk has been preserved in one of the rooms. Family legends confirm that Pushkin once worked for him. It is interesting to look at a unique family album containing about 100 photographs taken at the end of the 19th century.
The list of items of special value includes A. Delvig's memorial items, Kazem-Bek's photographs. They capture rare views of Kazan, the faces of local residents. Estate address: Gorkogo street, 25/28.
Museum of Kayum Nasyri
The history of the country, the connection with the generations of ancestors is primarily determined by the preservation of the language in which they communicated. The greatest social mission of the language is to transfer knowledge, experience accumulated by mankind.
It reflects the worldview of generations, their traditions, achievements in the field of art and literature. With its help (it is not for nothing that the language is called the “mirror of the human soul”) the features of the people, the country are expressed.
The foundations of the literary language of Tatarstan were laid by the scientist (linguist, ethnographer, writer, historian) Kayum Nasyri. A famous scientist lived in the house, which is a monument of wooden architecture of the 19th century. The house was rebuilt in 2002 (it is an exact copy of the old building).
The scientist's office has been restored, interesting expositions have been created from the elements of metalwork, carpentry, and bookbinding workshops. The scientist liked to do applied work. Many “tips” in his activities were brought from trips to the Tatar villages of the ancient Sviyazhsk district.
The list of exhibits includes personal items (cane, chest, personal seal, clock – chronometer). Photographs, textbooks (a madrasah on logic, rewritten by a scientist, marked by his signature), a huge ethnographic material brought from trips.
Numerous samples of folk art (poems, songs, legends) are presented among the elements of the expositions. Based on the materials of the scientist's book “Flowers and Herbs”, a beautiful garden was grown around the house. It often hosts lessons for schoolchildren on the study of medicinal plants of the area. The estate is located at: st. Paris Commune, 35.
Museum of Illusions and Giant's House
In May 2015, a modern entertainment complex was opened on the main pedestrian street Bauman, 17 (almost the old Arbat in Moscow). An original exhibition-attraction is located on two floors of the building.
In one part of it there is a gallery of 3D paintings. Each participant is invited to prove themselves in a certain element of the plot: to be in an aquarium with sharks, jellyfish, piranhas. Fly over the abyss, learn all about the hellish cauldron.
Find yourself on the deck of the Titanic, become one of the monsters of a Hollywood horror movie, the hero of your favorite cartoons. The main difference between the rides is the ability to take unique photographs without computer processing. Experts will help you choose the best angle, take pictures.
The second part of the ensemble is a unique return to the world of childhood. Giants live here among huge furniture and personal belongings. Even their lunch has dimensions comparable to an ordinary closet, and it is proposed to climb onto a chair using a ladder. Any participant becomes a character in an unusual fairy tale.
House Museum of Vasily Aksyonov
The childhood years of the writer Aksenov were spent in a city estate located in the center of Kazan. Since 1930, it has become a place of residence for many citizens (communal), including for the writer's relatives after the arrest of his parents.
He lived here for more than 10 years and before his death expressed a desire to create a complex in the estate from a memorial office, a cafe, a literary and musical salon. After the restoration of the estate in 2009, his wishes were fulfilled.
The opening of the complex took place during the Aksenov-fest music festival with the participation of the Time Machine rock band. His son was present at the celebration and presented his father's typewriter “Hummingbird”. The expositions contain personal items, notebooks of the writer.
The old estate houses a museum, a small hotel, Jazz Crossroads, and a cozy restaurant. The name of the hotel was chosen taking into account the writer's special attitude to jazz. The comfortable hall often hosts creative evenings, meetings of young writers, and musical concerts.
Museum of the 1000th Anniversary of Kazan
The Kazan National Cultural Center includes several independent state institutions. Among them is a museum opened in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the city. Its expositions reflect the events of the historical past of Kazan, its cultural heritage.
Three thematic halls represent all aspects of the life of the Tatar people from the ancient period to the present day. The first hall is called “Ancient Kazan” and contains elements of expositions from the 1st millennium BC to the 15th century.
Among the original exhibits there are restored monuments: the Kazan gate (the former symbol of the city), the city key (made by analogy with the key of the Volga Bulgaria), a copy of the unique exhibit “Kazan's Cap”. Exhibitions of the second task cover the period from the 15th century to the beginning of the 20th.
They contain documents, artifacts, revealing trade, economy, spiritual development of the capital of the province, which became part of Russia. The expositions of the third hall are dedicated to the Republic of Tatarstan (1991-2019) as a major center of the Volga region, all of Russia. The general fund consists of 49412 units.
It is represented by expositions: the Kazan Khanate, Volga Bulgaria, the Capture of Kazan, the Golden Horde, Kazan today and tomorrow, etc. A separate exhibition is devoted to materials related to the historical visit to the city by past rulers: Peter I, Paul I and Nicholas I, Catherine II.
In the branch of the institution (Kazan City Hall) there are documents telling about the history of the city's self-government.
Museum of Socialist Life
The way of life during the Soviet Union has not yet been lost in the historical jungle of Tatarstan. Thousands of memories, real elements of everyday life live in the stories of eyewitnesses, thematic literature. Things, the spirit of the 70s and 80s of the XX century, which lived in a large country, are presented in the only, unique place in Russia.
The idea of organizing a “collection of positive emotions” belongs to Rustem Valiakhmetov during the years of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Each element of interesting expositions evokes nostalgic memories.
I would like to remember beautiful packaging (for example, “stone flower”), the familiar smell of perfume, turn on an old vacuum cleaner, look at the screen of the old TV, try on items of clothing. Now only elements of computer games can resemble the former interior.
The exhibitions consist of 7 thousand exhibits. Acquaintance with them begins with the stairs, where once there was a smoking room for residents of a communal apartment in a house on Universitetskaya Street.
After their eviction, the first exhibition was an exposition called “Bad Habits in the USSR” (showing packs of cigarettes, cigarettes, real bottles of alcohol). Looking at the exhibits, it is hard to believe that quite recently these were elements of “achievements, technology”, scarce items that the country lived on.
Chuck-Chuck Museum
It is difficult to imagine the traditions of life of the Tatar people without a national tea party. Until now, all the secrets of its preparation are unknown. You can learn some details of the process, try a healing drink, listen to its history in the house of the merchant Vafa Bigaev (an architectural monument of the early 19th century).
Based on the surviving documents and photographs, the former interior was recreated, the elements of everyday life (tools, clothes) of a prosperous Tatar family were presented. Everything is allowed to be touched, examined from all sides.
The museum shop offers to buy and taste chak-chak, baursak, national sweets and some other dishes prepared according to old recipes. During the tour, information is provided about different periods of life of the population of Tatarstan, based on the research of scientists – encyclopedists of the country.
During the work of the institution, she received awards in many republican, all-Russian, international competitions.
Museum of Happy Childhood
The theme of memories of the Soviet past is reflected in the walls of many sights of the city. This is not only a reflection of the life of an adult, but also numerous aspects of the life of children, the methods of their upbringing.
Its main element has always been toys, themed games, and children's literature. Only in the memory of a person do old desks covered with inscriptions, primers, blue globes, obligatory portraits, busts of Lenin (now these attributes of life depict other names, other faces) live.
You can spend a long time looking at abacus, old computing devices, diplomas, ties, badges, pennants of past years. As if you are returning to the walls of your old school (here you are allowed to touch any exhibit). On the second floor there is an exposition “the labyrinth of life”. In each room there are things that accompany a person throughout life.
The first models of iron cars (the dream of every Soviet boy). Rubber animals, miniature sewing, knitting machines, numerous options for vintage dolls (they do not look like modern Barbies). Hundreds of toys from Soviet times.
In one of the halls there are samples of the former school uniforms (briefcases, suits, dresses, aprons). Someday today's toys and clothes will be museum rarities, coming from a happy childhood period of any time.
Museum-Memorial of the Great Patriotic War
The deeds and patriotism of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War remain fresh in people's memory. The graves of the dead soldiers have not yet overgrown, the formidable military structures built during the war period have not disappeared.
The memory of grateful descendants living in the free countries of the former Soviet Union is reflected in numerous expositions and exhibitions. In Kazan, such a historical place is a memorial complex in the ancient Kremlin.
The expositions were based on documents provided by the National Museum, the organization of veterans, military search services, and personal archives. Among them, it is proposed to look at weapons, uniforms, military equipment, regimental colors, drawings by artists from the front. Officer tablets, maps, compasses, orders, medals, important documents.
With the help of the language of front-line relics, one can feel the feat of ordinary soldiers going to their death, defending their Motherland. The list of exhibits includes items brought from the battlefields: rifles, a 37-mm anti-tank gun, uniforms of generals, officers of the Red Army, captured enemy weapons.
Every year, the memorial complex hosts solemn events dedicated to the victory in the war.
Museum of Weapons Spirit of the Warrior
Looking at modern rockets, planes, green equipment with a purpose that is not immediately understood, it is false to believe that once the soldiers had a completely different weapon at their disposal. They determined the mood, the spirit of a warrior, helped to win.
From the depths of centuries of the life of the Tatar people came elements of a huge collection of weapons: offensive, defensive. Sparkling blades of sabers, swords made in the Bronze Age, the era of the Golden Horde. Swords belonging to the Scythians, Sarmatians, Huns, Cimmerians. It is proposed to listen to their features during an interesting excursion.
On the exhibition stands there are sabers of different centuries, as a symbol of the development of weapons ideas. The information “where, by whom and when they were used” is presented. Shield, helmet, saber, sword are allowed to touch, use during filming.
It is proposed to rest on the Khan's throne, covered with the skins of wild animals, like thousands of years ago. Not war, but the spirit of a warrior, controlled by the mind, allows you to avoid hostilities, defeat unexpected dangers.
This is demonstrated by an original decoration in the form of a boat hovering under the ceiling. They are pierced with arrows and are a symbol of the dangers that lie in wait for travelers. Knowledge, ability to handle weapons will make any journey safe.
The exposition is located on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin.
Museum of the History of Kazan University
In 1979, the famous Kazan University celebrated its 175th anniversary. In its development, it has gone from the status of an imperial to an educational center of federal significance. Over the 200-year history, scientists have grown up on the basis of the university, whose names have become known throughout the world.
Scientific schools were formed with outstanding researchers who gave mankind numerous discoveries. Future statesmen, scientists, representatives of art, literature, and sports studied and worked at the university. Among them are the names of Arbuzov, Leo Tolstoy, Aksakov, Lobachevsky, Butlerov, etc.
Lenin's father was a university student (who graduated with honors). Successful expositions reflect the role of students and teachers in the political life of Russia. The memorial complex is located in the main building of KFU. It includes the Imperial Hall and an auditorium for lectures.
The interior of the 19th-20th centuries has been preserved in it. Lenin and Tolstoy studied here. All student events traditionally took place in the Imperial Hall. Now it is one of the favorite places in the city with excellent acoustics for music festivals and concerts.
Gallery-workshop of Slava Zaitsev
In a small room of a private gallery there are no masterpieces of masters of painting, graphics, sculpture. Amazing paintings are not painted in tempera, oil, watercolor, but visitors get a special impression, surprise from their appearance. The total number of works is 100 units.
The exhibition space occupies 126 m2. The talented artist of Kazan, Slava Zaitsev, has found a rare direction in art for himself, he has defined his own style. To paint pictures, he uses numerous improvised materials: nails, thread, furniture clips, sand, leaves, butterfly wings, etc.
The first work the artist made in the style of “collage” at the expense of paintings from magazines. Looking at the pictures from staples, obtained by driving them into the board, it seems that they were made with ordinary pencils.
In one room there is a gallery and the artist's studio, a collection of rare plants collected by Zaitsev. He himself meets the guests (together with a talking parrot), tells, performs work in their presence, conducts master classes. The gallery is located in the city center, on the forecourt.
Anti-Alcohol Museum Moonshine
An alcoholic drink is obtained by distilling mash (artisanal distillation) through special devices (home-made, factory). To obtain mash, various sugar-containing products were used: grain, beets, fruits, potatoes.
Unlike moonshine, vodka is made from rectified alcohol. The common product has become one of the most popular elements of everyday life among different peoples (“rakia” in Bulgaria, “garelka” in Belarus, “palinka” in Hungary, “bimber” in Poland, etc.). There are numerous traditions of its manufacture and use.
As a “currency” it is still used today. Moonshine occupies an important place in the history of Russian life. It is impossible to imagine fun fairs (Saratov, Makaryev, Nizhny Novgorod), large cities of the Volga region without the presence of moonshine.
Learn about the popular drink, see household items that accompany its production, use is offered in the expositions of the original museum. They are created on the basis of 10 thousand elements. They were brought from private collections, found in the past moonshining centers.
Moonshine stills, glasses, bottles, glasses, kitchen utensils of past centuries are located in rooms with an old interior. Some of the walls are covered with newspapers, magazine clippings, and scraps of old wallpaper. They are covered with handmade carpets.
During the tour, it is proposed to listen to the history of the appearance of moonshine, to find out the origin of famous expressions: “fill your eyes”, “walk under a fly”, “5 drops”, “drink to hell”. Where did the tradition of “breaking the dishes for good luck”, “do not leave empty bottles on the table”, “drink standing for the ladies” come from?
At the end of the tour, it is proposed to take part in a tasting of five varieties of moonshine.
The institution is located on the main Bauman street.