In the Kirov region, not far from the city of Kotelnich, there is a unique state natural monument - the Kotelnich location of the pareiasaurs. Since 1933, paleontological excavations have been carried out in this area, as a result of which numerous remains of ancient animals were found, many of which are unique. On the basis of the collected collection, the Vyatka Paleontological Museum was organized, which anyone can visit today.
Organization and grand opening of the museum
The Kotelnich location of the pareiasaurs is a unique natural monument, known far beyond the borders of the Kirov region. Since 1933, the best Russian experts, with the help of their foreign colleagues, have been excavating on a site 25 km long along the Vyatka river bed. As a result of this work, the remains of ancient animals were found that belong to the Permian period of the Paleozoic era (260 million years BC). Scientists are engaged in search, excavation, preparation, conduct a variety of studies and describe the material found. On the basis of an extensive collection of paleontological finds, the Vyatka Paleontological Museum was opened. The history of the creation of this organization is quite simple, even a couple of decades before the official opening of the exposition, an active discussion was held on the need to familiarize a wide audience with the unique exhibits found in the vicinity of Kotelnich. In 1994, the museum was inaugurated and began to receive its first guests.
Vyatka Paleontological Museum: photo and description of the exhibits
One of the most interesting and magnificent exhibits is the full skeleton of a tarbosaurus - a carnivorous dinosaur discovered in the Gobi desert by an expedition of Soviet and Mongolian scientists. The sculptural reconstruction of the head of a tyrannosaurus made especially for this museum by sculptor A. Skvortsov is also impressive. The collection also contains skeletons and the remains of flying and marine dinosaurs belonging to the period of the Mesozoic era. Vyatka Paleontological Museum boasts 180 exhibits of animals of the Paleozoic era. All these are local paleontological finds discovered in the area of the Kotelnichsky location of the pareiasaurs.
The exact address of the museum in Kirov and the cost of visiting
Vyatka Paleontological Museum is located in the central part of the city of Kirov. It got its name from the historical name of the settlement, located on the banks of the Vyatka River. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive. On weekdays and Saturdays, you can visit it from 10:00 to 18:00. On Thursdays, the museum is open from 12:00 to 20:00, and on Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The price of admission for adults is 150 rubles, for children and beneficiaries - 100 rubles. You can also book a sightseeing tour for 500 rubles or use the “audio guide” service - 50 rubles. The exact address where the Vyatka Paleontological Museum is located: Kirov, Spasskaya Street, 22. This is a new beautiful building, which is difficult to miss without notice. You can get to the museum by public transport (buses No. 2, 10, 14, 23, 39, 46, 73, 84, 88, 90 and trolleybus No. 1), you need to get off at the Teatralnaya Square stop.
Branch in the city of Kotelnich
If you liked the Vyatka Paleontological Museum, be sure to visit its branch in the city of Kotelnich. It is no less interesting here, visitors will be able to see unique exhibits of a permanent exhibition. Also, the branch regularly hosts exhibitions. The exact address of the museum: Kotelnich city, Yaranskaya street, house 1. You can visit the exposition on weekdays (Mon-Fri) from 9:00 to 17:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 15:00, Sunday is a day off. The price of admission for adults is 110 rubles, for children - 80 rubles. You can also use the “audio guide” service - 50 rubles or order a sightseeing tour - 200 rubles.
Useful information for tourists
Nowadays, the paleontological museum conducts scientific and educational activities. Scientists are still excavating, and existing exhibits are being studied and systematized. In the summer, tourists are invited to not only explore the permanent museum exhibits, but also unique excursions with trips to the excavation sites. During such tours you can see how scientists work and even participate in the search for prehistoric minerals. The Vyatka Paleontological Museum of the exhibition holds a variety of exhibitions, during which you can see exhibits from the organization’s “storerooms” and learn more about a narrow topic. This exposition will not leave indifferent any visitor. Even if you are not too interested in the natural sciences and fauna of the ancient world, be sure to visit the museum as soon as you have such an opportunity. A lot of new experiences and positive emotions are guaranteed, there are no age restrictions, come with the whole family!