A Hidden Gem on the Road to Lake Baikal

Hello everyone! I've lived in the Irkutsk region for over 20 years, but I'd never visited the Taltsy Ethnographic Museum until last summer 2022. I'm glad I got to go back there again this winter, so you can see how the museum looks in both summer and winter. That's why the photos in this review are different.

The museum is located in the Taltsy settlement, on the right bank of the Angara River, 20 kilometers north of its source and 41 kilometers southeast of Irkutsk. It's situated on a massive 67-hectare territory.

The museum was founded in 1969, but it's been open to visitors since 1980. Today, the museum has over 40 architectural monuments and more than 8,000 exhibits that tell the story of Siberian village life from the 17th to 19th centuries.

You can check out the museum's official website for more information and event schedules:

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Getting there was a bit of a hassle for me. I don't have a car, and it's a long way from my hometown. There are buses from Irkutsk (you can check the schedule online), but I'd still have to get to Irkutsk from my village first. Taking multiple buses is a real pain and not exactly budget-friendly.

Recently, we've started having these 'group trips' where an organizer gathers a group of people (usually 20) for a specific date, books transportation there and back, and sometimes it coincides with events at the museum. I think I paid 700 rubles for the trip (that included museum entrance fees), but I'm not entirely sure. That's how I first visited the museum back in 2022. If you have a car, though, it's way easier - you can visit the museum at any time. Check the museum's website or call them for the most up-to-date working hours, as they change depending on the season.

The entrance fee is 300 rubles, and 150 rubles for pensioners/students/school kids. I got lucky and they sold me a student ticket for 150 rubles the second time I visited.

I wish I had taken photos of the entrance group and ticket booth, but I want to say that there are clear signs and information boards all over the museum, so you won't get lost.

Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsOne of the only snaps I took at the beginning of our tour - and I think it's the ticket booths: Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsThese info boards are scattered throughout the museum, and they give you a rundown of the exhibits and a brief history - I have to admit, I didn't read every single one. Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsOn my first visit with a group (summer 2022), we stumbled upon some kind of celebration, but since we were returning from Listvyanka and stopped by the museum on our way back, the group was already exhausted, and we just rushed through the grounds - I think I even missed some exhibits and didn't take any photos, let alone read the info boards. That's the downside of group tours that involve visiting multiple places in one day, like Listvyanka + Taltsy Museum.I have to say, I love that places like this or eco-parks usually have maps, so I can take a photo of them on my phone and track where we still need to go.

The museum's territory is huge, to say the least – it's breathtaking in size, and the history behind it is just incredible:

In the early 60s, when the Ust-Ilimsk Dam was being built, there was a need to save unique historical and architectural monuments of national significance – the Spasskaya Gate Tower (1667) and the Kazanskaia Gate Church (1679) of the Ilimsk Fortress, which were in the zone that would be flooded by the Ust-Ilimsk reservoir.

That's how the buildings that are now part of the museum collection were relocated to Taltsy. You can imagine, they're real people's homes, and we got to experience what life was like back then! We got to see into their daily lives, their culture, and even their workspaces – it's like stepping back in time.

Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsI was blown away by the Administrative Complex that recreates the heart of a rural village from the late 19th to early 20th century. This includes the Volost Administration Building, a church school, the parson's estate, and the village policeman's estate.

Among the buildings, you'll find some typical peasant homes, but also more interesting structures like the Volost Administration Building, a bank, a post office, a medical station, an inn, a school, and a hostel. You'll also see homes belonging to merchants and traders.

The Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsThe Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsLooking around the museum, I noticed how the homes are surrounded by courtyards with stables, outbuildings, and other rustic structures.The Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsThe Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsInside, everything is set up to resemble the way things were back in the day. There are homes with figures representing different social classes: merchants, doctors, officials, peasants, and so on.The Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsThe Taltsy Museum of History and Culture of the Irkutsk Region, Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsWhen I visited last time, I didn't notice these houses, but this time they looked newer. I think they must have been moved recently.Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsОчень красивая усадьба: Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsTypical Russian izba with a warm-hearted homemaker:Irkutsk Architectural Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIn many of the homes, a protective barrier is set up, and of course, you can't cross it. So, you won't get a chance to get up close and examine some of the exhibits and interior details. But from a distance, everything looks very authentic, even the food looks real. When you step into one of these Russian izbas, with a wood-burning stove, a pantry, and wooden barrels and tubs, the fabric drapes hanging around, it really smells like Russia. I'm instantly reminded of the village where my (late) grandparents used to live, and a wave of nostalgia washes over me. I still remember samovars, cast-iron irons, these types of mats, wardrobes, and buffets, huge chests, and even chairs and benches that looked similar too. Now, all of these things are indeed museum-worthy. It's a shame that none of it has been preserved. It would be great to have some memory of it. As you can understand, my visit to the Taltsy Museum triggered some of my childhood memories)There's also a school among the homes, with just one classroom – that's how it used to be in rural areas, by the way. The desks, by the way, are the same ones we had in elementary school, with the same benches. So, it's been about 30 years since then. I remember that they still had holes for pens.Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsWalking around the house of a medic was just as fascinating, with glass-fronted cabinets filled with all sorts of bottles, jars, and a doctor's chest - it was a shame I didn't get a photo of it...Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews Of course, the buildings had undergone restoration, as many houses haven't been spared by time...Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsMain attractions are these one-of-a-kind historical and architectural landmarks: the Spasskaya gatehouse (1667) and the Kazanskaya Church (1679) of the Ilimsky fortress.

Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk ReviewsThe museum really brings to life the old days of the region's indigenous people. You get a glimpse into their lives with exhibits like the 19th-century watermills, a 17th- to 19th-century village with traditional homes, a Siberian cemetery, and a 19th-century haymaking area.

I was excited to see the ongoing research and development in various areas, including the Verkholyen, Vitim, and Buryat zones, as well as the working-class village and the city's urban area.

Irkutsk Architectural Ethnographic Museum 'Taltsy', Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural Ethnographic Museum 'Taltsy', Irkutsk ReviewsIrkutsk Architectural Ethnographic Museum 'Taltsy', Irkutsk ReviewsIt's pretty cool that the staff live on site - the attendants are usually pretty chatty and might even share some interesting stories. However, most of them just keep an eye on the place.I've been told that Taltsy is a popular spot for celebrating holidays like Maslenitsa, Easter, and Christmas. We happened to visit during Christmas, and it was a real bash. There were decorated Christmas trees, complete with ornaments and kid-made decorations.

Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsWe even got into what's called Santa's residence: Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsThere was a little house for Grandma Yaga, the kids were absolutely thrilled, Grandma Yaga, as you'd expect, with a nose, in costume, oh so colorful, even I, a grown adult, was impressed!We attended a grand celebration, there were contests, music, the museum staff were all dressed up and having a blast, despite the Siberian cold and the icy wind. The host was super energetic, interacting with the audience, and there was plenty of interactive fun for both kids and adults, many couples and families joined in. As a matter of fact, participants received prizes, I'm not even kidding, I didn't pay attention to what they were, but I'm pretty sure they were sweet treats. We stood there watching the contests, they were all different, mostly some sort of relay, or else everyone would have frozen solid)

I have to say, we did freeze and get exhausted, but the sun was still shining bright. I had forgotten my sunglasses at home, and the recent snow combined with the strong sunlight was almost blinding. There were times when I couldn't see where I was going or what I was taking photos of... I think the photos speak for themselves, showing just how sunny and cold it was on Christmas Day.

Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews The outdoor stage is located right by the river. Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews In the summer, it looks like this: Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviews By the way, there are plenty of shops selling souvenirs, and various markets - in the summer, there are many more than in the winter: Irkutsk Architectural-Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum 'Taltsy', Irkutsk reviewsThere are also what they call workshops: a glassblower's hut, a weaving workshop, birch bark, stone, leather, wood crafts, and much more. You can also buy something as a gift or a souvenir there.On the territory, there's a cafe, but the queue was huge and we couldn't grab a bite to eat. We only managed to warm up a bit in the cold. But we found another tiny cafe, and all they had was pastries and tea/coffee. We had blinis and varenyky, and the prices were a bit higher than usual, but when you're in nature, you want to eat something. You can also bring your own snacks and eat on the go, but in January, it's way too cold. I brought a thermos with tea, and it was a lifesaver, especially when I started freezing towards the end of our visit and was dancing to the music - not in time, but because of the cold)

The views from the museum are stunning, especially in the winter when the cold air adds a magical touch. I was a bit disappointed with the photo quality, though - my phone's camera wasn't the best back then. One of the things that really stood out to me was the peaceful atmosphere around the lake. It's the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. Summer is a great time to visit the museum, as you can take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the scenery. Just be prepared for the mosquitoes - they can be pretty fierce! I loved exploring the museum's grounds and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It's a really special place that I'll always treasure. The museum's architecture is really unique and adds to the overall charm of the place. I could have spent hours just taking it all in. Winter is a great time to visit the museum if you want to avoid the crowds. Just be sure to bundle up - it can get pretty chilly near the water!Irkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsIrkutsk Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Irkutsk reviewsBy the way, when I was back at Taltsy for my second visit, taking a closer look at the interior decor of the peasant homes, I remembered one book that really complements the idea of our ancestors' way of life. I highly recommend reading it!

What else can you visit if you end up in Irkutsk?

The Museum of Hard Waste - or as it's also known, the 'Museum on the Dump' - is a huge territory with a military theme, a hall of fame, a shooting range, a field kitchen, and tons more.The Irkutsk Botanical Garden is a picturesque corner in a bustling cityThe Irkutsk Zoo Garden is a lovely spot for a family day outBut if you're passing through the city of Angarsk, I highly recommend checking out the 'Old Apartment' coffee shopThe eco-park 'Southern Baikal' is a must-visit (warm lakes on the Snowy River)

✅ Unique location

✅ Outdoor museum

✅ The chance to see historical monuments up close

✅ Low ticket price

✅ A wide range of events all year round

✅ Massive number of exhibits

✅ The museum is constantly being updated

❌ Massive queues at the tavern

❌ It's a bit out of the way.

Verdict:

I'm still blown away by the Museum of Taltsy experience. If you're stuck for ideas on what to do with your family over the weekend, or you're a tourist looking for something cool to check out, this place is a must-visit. For just 300 rubles, you'll get an absolute blast from the sights alone!

I'd give it a solid 5 out of 5 ⭐. If you want to read more about my adventures in Krasnoyarsk, check out my in-depth review.

Thanks for reading! 🖤