The history of Tambov began in the middle of the XVII century. Today, a city with a rich history is not deprived of the attention of guests. Tourists know what to see in Tambov: monuments, monuments, picturesque streets, a planetarium, a zoo. But first, it’s worth going to the Tambov Regional Museum of Local Lore. From here begins a real acquaintance with the city.
Museum History
The Tambov Local History Museum is one of the most ancient museums in the country. It was founded as a provincial in 1879, and its discovery was timed to coincide with the centenary of the formation of governorship in Tambov. At first it was located in the building of the public library, then - in the Naryshkinsky Reading Room.
Reviews of tourists report that the Museum Fund was mainly replenished thanks to the enthusiasm of the townspeople. They presented personal items, books, photographs, documents, furniture. Then the museum was under the jurisdiction of the archival commission, so the collection was also replenished due to its research activities. The exposition base consisted of archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, samples of clothing, weapons and household items.
By 1917, several museums operated in Tambov. Due to revolutionary upheavals, it became necessary to combine them into one complex. This process lasted until the 1920s. In 1937, the museum receives regional status. Since the 90s. last century, it occupies a historic building, made in the style of classicism. The fund has more than 120 thousand exhibits; permanent and temporary expositions operate.
Tambov region in the XVIII - early XIX centuries
The exposition is dedicated to the tsarist period of the Tambov region. The formation and heyday of the province, the war of 1812, the Decembrist uprising, as well as eminent historical figures of that time - Peter I, Ushakov, Lunin and, of course, Derzhavin, whose name is of great importance for the city. In their reviews, tourists enthusiastically describe these exhibits.
Tambov peasantry
The Museum of Local Lore Tambov pays special attention to the theme of the peasantry. In a separate exhibition you can see the village life of the XIX and XX centuries. The collection is very bright: photographs, holiday and ordinary costumes, household items, work tools. A rare exhibit is a map of the province of 1862.
Tambov Vendée
The exhibition in the museum of local lore is dedicated to the largest Russian uprising against the Soviet regime. The event went down in history as “Antonovism” - by the name of one of the leaders of the peasant rebellion. The mass uprising was bloody and merciless, but strangled him with much more shocking brutality. For the first time, the Bolsheviks used chemical weapons against the rebels.
Reviews of tourists talk about the collection of photographs presented; documents relating to the rebels; orders of the Bolshevik command; homemade rebel weapons. The main attention is paid to Antonov: archival materials and photographs will tell about his life. The exhibition will be interesting for everyone who is interested in the history of the region and who wants to better understand one of the most tragic moments in the life of the people.
Tragedies and accomplishments of the 20th century
Another thematic tour offered by the Tambov Museum of Local Lore. This is a short trip to the Soviet history of the city. Here, before the visitors, collectivization and industrialization will come to life in all colors, the events of 1943-1945 will flare up again, the post-war revival of the region and, of course, perestroika will begin.
Traces of past biospheres
The exposition is dedicated to the famous natural scientist Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky. Here, visitors learn more about the geological past of the Tambov region. A collection of “stone documents” has been formed for over a hundred years. It included unusual geological finds.
Sand and clay deposits indicate that marine regimes occurred several times in the area. This is also proved by the remains of mollusks, petrified corals and shark teeth. Tourists can see fragments of skeletons of various animals, in particular, mammoth, tour, bison and rhino. An unusual exhibition in the museum of local lore has one more valuable exhibit - an iron meteorite, which fell in 1948.
Nature Reserve
Tambov is located in the forest-steppe, due to which the fauna of the region is very diverse. The exhibition presents about 400 animal species: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects. The tour is similar in theme with the "Red Book Pages", so if possible they are best ordered together.
Additional information for tourists
The museum is located on the street. Derzhavinskaya, 3. Not far away is the Tambovkontsert concert hall, where musical performances, festivals and other events take place. In a small square there is a monument to Derzhavin - the governor of the city at the end of the 18th century.
Guests should definitely visit the Tambov Museum of Local Lore. The operating mode is designed so that visitors can come here at a convenient time for them. On Tuesday and Wednesday it is open from 10 00 to 18 00 , on Thursday - from 13 00 to 21 00 . From Friday to Sunday, its doors are open from 10 00 to 18 00 . The museum is closed on the last Friday of the month.
The cost of one thematic tour for one visitor is 30 rubles. A family ticket will cost 150 rubles. An excursion for a group of visitors can be ordered for 200 rubles. The Tambov Museum of Local Lore provides the city tour service on the customer’s transport. The cash desk is closed half an hour before the end of the working day.
If you do not know what to see in Tambov in the first place, reviews of tourists recommend going to the museum. Indeed, in order to truly plunge into the life of the city, you must first find out from within its lifestyle, culture and the main pages of history. In addition to subject exhibits, you will find entertaining lectures on the traditions of tea drinking, Russian folk costume, wedding customs. Here you can take a virtual journey through the peasant's hut or learn about Tambov radio. Visitors will be told what were the ideals of female beauty in different eras. And yes, museum staff will answer the question of everyone's concern about why the Tambov wolf is a comrade to everyone.