Modern technologies, interactive expositions, 3D panoramas - all these are not epithets for a science fiction film, but a description of the modern regional museum of Khabarovsk. The long thorny path traveled over many years led to the fact that the Museum named after N.I. Grodekov is known not only throughout Russia, he is known throughout the world.
How it all started
Khabarovsk Regional Museum named after N.I. Grodekova inaugurated in April 1894. Until now, 120 years after its founding, this date is celebrated as a great holiday. The first refuge, which took under its wing the Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore, was a pharmacy warehouse owned by one of the patrons.
This donor was V.N. Radakov, also elected first director.
The initial collection was compiled bit by bit thanks to the charity of participants in research societies and other population of the region. The first director himself transferred his ornithological collection to the Museum of Local Lore of Khabarovsk.
Special attention should be paid to Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov. The Governor-General handed over to the museum a substantial amount, with which it was possible to create an amazing collection of exhibits and books. Such a tremendous contribution was appreciated, and the Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore received permission to bear the name of Grodekov.
It was under his supervision that the construction of a separate building was organized. Most of the money was collected by the residents of the city. And only two years after its foundation, the Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore moved to its own building, although not yet fully completed. In addition to a collection of over 10 thousand items, the museum was decorated with a granite turtle brought from Ussuriysk.
The next director also entered the history of the museum and left his mark, creating an amazing open-air exhibition. The artillery battery assembled by S.N. Vankov, is a kind of border of the museum. It consisted of 10 ancient serf cannons placed on the ground, bought by himself, an original lattice and other weapons.
The Russo-Japanese War had a very negative effect on the state of the museum. Donations almost stopped, employee motivation was reduced for obvious reasons. The nature of the Khabarovsk Territory, shown in natural science collections, has ceased to amaze the imagination.
Golden age
After a certain decline, the revival of the museum became the main goal of the new director Vladimir Klavdievich Arsenyev.
The period of his administration received the talking name "Arsenyevsky".
He organized annual expeditions, the purpose of which was to constantly fill the collections. The nature of the Khabarovsk Territory was clearly demonstrated using samples of flora and fauna, ethnological and other finds of V.K. Arsenyev and his associates.
The new director has established lively cooperation with both domestic scientists and foreign scientists.
Hard days of war and the interwar period
The first blow to the possession of scientists was the revolution and the ensuing war. After the advent of Soviet power, the name of Grodekov was taken away from the museum. Almost all employees were fired or left the museum themselves. Only the head and several museum keepers remained in charge of their duties. There were not enough forces and means not only for basic repairs, but even for the protection of exhibits. Natural causes, temperature and humidity destroyed entire exposures.
In this crisis period, V.K. Arseniev. Thanks to his activity and meeting with unique experts, the director managed to keep the museum afloat.
With the advent and strengthening of Soviet power, outside interference in research and educational activities became increasingly noticeable, which also significantly complicated and slowed down scientific work.
Funding was cut mercilessly. The associated outflow of competent specialists was aggravated by punitive measures carried out in the 30s. Before the start of the Second World War, the head of the expositions and five museum employees were placed in conclusion.
After the war
The state of affairs during the war itself was even more aggravated.
Upon its completion, a slow revival began. A small but necessary repair, updating of expositions, organization of new expeditions. All this allowed to increase the attendance and interest of local residents.
In 1975, the stunning panorama "Battle of Volochaev" by A.A. Gorpenko and S.D. Agapova. It shows the second assault on the June-Koran hill during the Civil War in the Far East.
After the collapse of the USSR
The current head of the museum N.I. Ruban used enormous forces to ensure that the museum not only survived the crisis period of the 90s, but also gained momentum in its research activities.
The centenary was marked by another significant event. The historical name of Grodekov was returned to the name of the museum.
Modernity and technological development have not spared the classic museum. A number of exhibitions were reconstructed, among which the “Nature of the Khabarovsk Territory”, unique 3D panoramas were opened, a museum for children was created, which enjoys unprecedented popularity.
New millennium
To the onset of the millennium, the museum administration pays more and more attention to international cooperation. The Regional Museum lively exchanges exhibitions with foreign colleagues. Residents of Khabarovsk have already been able to see the exposure from the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan - and the United States of America.
The museum could not ignore the fascinating campaign “Night at the Museum” and became its participant in 2011.
Today, the museum exhibits and stores more than 400 thousand items of scientific and cultural value.
Awards
The Khabarovsk Museum quickly gained fame not only in Russia but also abroad.
Already under Soviet rule, the collective was awarded the challenge Red Banner and received the title of "Best Museum of the RSFSR."
The Millennium was also marked by a high award. During the rivalry for the title of “Museum of the Year” in the framework of the “Window to Russia” contest, the institution was recognized as the best among other regional ones.
But, of course, the best reward is the love of the inhabitants of the city and its guests, who remain delighted with the exhibits.
Modern events
The Children's Museum is also very popular. Armed with modern polymedia tools, acting on the basis of the latest research in the field of pedagogy, the museum staff works with children from the age of 2.5 years.
Educational programs for visitors of all ages, projects and events aimed at family leisure, romantic meetings have been developed.
The program "Night at the Museum" is very popular among young people.
Amazing 3D panoramas attract more and more viewers. To date, the number of these expositions has already reached seven.
A dynamic change of exhibitions contributes to more and more regular visitors.
But also this place will be interesting for tourists who want to get to know the Khabarovsk Territory closer. Interestingly, the approaches to the museum are still “guarded” by the artillery battery collected by S.N. Vankov.