In the past centuries, we can learn about the way of life and life of people from ancient legends and traditions, as well as from artifacts preserved in museums. And how do you like the idea to go on 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 "Small Korely" is located on a vast territory and is one of the largest museums of wooden architecture in the country.
The beginning 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 apartment building in a remote village. In this case, the object is not properly guarded, 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 was engaged in the creation of a unique museum complex. A picturesque place was chosen, and practically all the environs of the city of Arkhangelsk were examined in search of monuments of Russian architecture.
In 1974, the Malye Korely Museum was opened, and its first visitors could immediately see 11 ancient buildings for various purposes. The complex got its name in honor of a village located nearby.
Museum development history
Today the museum complex is a member of the Association of European Open-Air Museums. And in 1996, Malye Korely was included in the State Code of especially valuable objects of cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation. The year 2012 is also notable in the history of the museum; then it received the prestigious Award of the North.
Today, the exposition includes about 120 buildings of various types and purposes. Among them are residential buildings, outbuildings, and magnificent temples. What unites the exhibits is that they are all built of wood and without a single nail. All architectural monuments were created in the XVI-XX centuries, completely disassembled for transportation, and then restored and assembled in the museum.
Monuments of architecture
Today the total area of the museum is about 139.8 hectares. Its uniqueness lies not only in scale, but also in 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, Dvinskaya, Kargopolsky-Onega. During a visit to 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 being held in the temples, and even from the bell towers a ringing is heard from time to time.
In addition to peasant estates, barns, churches and chapels, the pride of the complex is windmills, there are 7 in total, and one has a restored working mechanism. Also in the museum you can see wells, antique vehicles, benches and fences - such as our ancestors used. The Museum of Wooden Architecture Malye Korely regularly holds various festivals and festivities on major holidays, with the same true Russian flavor and immersion in a bygone era.
Opening hours and cost
You can visit the museum at any time of the year. It is open for tourists daily from 10:00, it closes in the summer at 19:00, and in the winter at 17:00. You can explore 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, discounts are provided for students, senior citizens and children.
How to get to the Malye Korely museum?
The architectural and historical complex is located 25 kilometers from Arkhangelsk. You can get to it by personal or public transport. You should focus on the village of Malye Korely - it is near it that there is a reserve of the same name. Buses number 104, number 108, number 111 follow to the desired locality. 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 a navigator or use the signs. If the place of your vacation or business trip is Arkhangelsk, Malye Korely is a must-see 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.