Victory in the Great Patriotic War is a bright page in the history of Russia. A significant role in this landmark event was played by the legendary thirty-four. In the village of Sholokhovo near Moscow, there is the only T-34 museum in the world. Those who are fond of military equipment and history come here, patriotic events for youth are held here.
Tank museum
The museum and memorial complex "History of the Tank-34" is unique. It is dedicated to the legendary tank, which became one of the symbols of the Great Victory.
The museum complex includes a relatively small museum building and the surrounding area with exhibits lined with open air. Here you can wander among the fighting vehicles, take a photo, climb on the armor.
Museum History
It all began in 1976, when the daughter of one of the designers of the group of creators of the T-34 N. A. Kucherenko promised her father to write a book about a unique fighting vehicle. Work on the project took 7 years. Larisa Nikolaevna collected materials bit by bit, used the father’s archive, met with veterans. As a result, in 1983, her book of memoirs, The Book of the Father, was published.
The work elicited a response from readers, and the author began to receive numerous letters from participants in the war. In the envelopes, in addition to memories, were photographs and documents.
In 1985, L. A. Kucherenko (Vasilieva) decided to organize a museum so that the collected materials would not be lost. In her cottage on 26 m², she exhibited a unique exhibition. The T-34 History Museum quickly gained popularity both in the USSR and beyond. The collection was replenished with new exhibits, and soon the small building could not accommodate the accumulated materials.
With the assistance of the Moscow City Hall on December 6, 2001, the Museum of the T-34 tank on Dmitrovskoye Shosse was opened on the anniversary of the counterattack of our troops in the battle of Moscow.
Museum exposition
The exposition of the museum is entirely devoted to the history of the creation and combat path of the armored car. Here you can see the personal belongings of the creators of the tank, documents and drawings, photos of designers whose names remained a secret for everyone - M. Koshkin, A. Morozov, N. Kucherenko, E. Paton.
Tankers who showed miracles of heroism while defending their homeland were not forgotten either. A separate stand is dedicated to women who not only drove a heavy machine, but also made high-quality and quick repairs.
It also shows the geography of the battle path of an indomitable vehicle. In addition to his native country, the tank took part in the settlement of military conflicts in many countries of the world.
Technology enthusiasts can learn a lot of new information by looking at the comparative characteristics of wartime armored vehicles. T-34 was a breakthrough in tank building.
The T-34 museum will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. A fascinating quest was organized for them, having completed all the tasks of which, participants receive small souvenirs as a keepsake. Information submitted in this form is absorbed much faster. And anyone can try himself in the role of a tanker on a specially equipped simulator that accurately repeats the cockpit.
The exposition is constantly replenished with new exhibits that search engines find during expeditions. Their tireless activity is dedicated to a separate stand.
On the second floor by the hands of artists created a diorama "Lobnya. Offensive ”, which shows in great detail the horror of this bloody meat grinder. During the tour, the lights go out, the hall is illuminated by flashes from explosions of shells, the phonogram of a hot battle roars. The full effect of presence, wading to goosebumps.
Also on the top floor are numerous orders, badges, coins, souvenirs, one way or another connected with the main character of the museum.
Open exposition
The small T-34 museum will tell a lot of valuable information, but outside the walls, on an open area, visitors will find a real exhibition of military equipment: the main character is the T42 34 tank of 1942, as well as its “descendants”: military equipment created on the basis of an armored car. Only 8 units.
To the joy of the boys, ladders were installed along which you can climb the tower of a military machine and feel its power.
Here you can also shoot in a dash from a Degtyarev machine gun or a Mosin rifle.
Generational Memory
A memorial site has been opened on the territory of the complex, on which a 4-meter cross is installed in memory of those who forged the victory. The author of this sign is Peter Gerasimov. There is also a unique belfry created from elements of the tank and its weapons. When the wind sways shells from shells, the pouring sounds remind everyone of those who died on the battlefields, of those who gave their lives for peace. Here no one is indifferent.
Tank place
The place for the T-34 museum was not chosen by chance. The son of the famous scientist Mendeleev, one of the first inventors of heavy equipment, lived and worked in these parts.
Nearby in 1917 the first Russian tank was tested. To do this, cleared a clearing in the forest and brought a heavy car. But the clumsy colossus, having driven a few meters, was firmly stuck in a pit. According to rumors, she remained rusted in the forest. The experiment failed. But the designers continued to work, and as a result, our country is still a leader in tank building.
And it was here that the first line of defense of the capital took place during the war. From here, Soviet troops began to press the Nazis, driving them from our land.
After visiting the museum fills with pride for the country, for people, for great achievements.