Sovetsky District: Culture Around Vyacheslav Klykov

Vyacheslav Klykov was born on October 19, 1939, in the village of Marmyzhy in Sovetsky District, Kursk Oblast. The district local history museum in Kshensky displays exhibits on history and the lives and everyday routines of earlier generations. Marmyzhy has a museum dedicated to the sculptor, with small-scale replicas of his works; a monument to Klykov was unveiled in Kshensky in 2021.

Klykov was a Soviet and Russian sculptor, a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, and a recipient of state awards from the USSR and the Russian Federation. His connection to Marmyzhy therefore extends beyond his birthplace: the museum dedicated to the sculptor there contains a collection of small-scale replicas of his works. His biographical ties and a collection of representations of his work together provide a context for understanding his art.

Another architectural attraction in Marmyzhy is a church dedicated to the Intercession of the Mother of God. Its four sides are decorated with high reliefs in the style of traditional Vladimir woodcarving. Its dedication and relief decoration give the building a distinctive character, separate from the Klykov theme.

The district local history museum in Kshensky explores the history and everyday lives of earlier generations. During a 2024 excursion, children took part in a tour of the exhibits and made handmade soap under the guidance of museum specialists. The excursion combined local history with a hands-on activity.

The monument to Klykov stands not far from the local history museum and was unveiled in 2021. At an exhibition opening in 2024, the sculptor’s works were displayed on street stands, in a small park, and at the monument. This presentation connected different places in Kshensky with the same artist, but does not mean that a permanent exhibition is available.

The wider destination of Kursk Oblast offers other distinct cultural and natural attractions. The museum at the A. A. Fet estate was established in 2010 as a branch of the Kursk Regional Museum of Local Lore. Every year, it hosts “Nightingale Night” in late May and the Fet Readings in early July.

In Ponyri, the Kursk Battle Historical and Memorial Museum covers the first days of the war in the district, the occupation, the partisan movement, and the district’s liberation on February 13, 1943. Much of its collection is devoted to preparations for the Battle of the Kursk Bulge and the Ponyri defensive operation from July 5 to 11, 1943. A diorama depicts the battle for Ponyri station on July 10, 1943, showing actual events and people from that day.

The Central Chernozem Biosphere Reserve has two ecological trails: “Streletskaya Steppe” and “Nature Reserve Oak Forest.” The natural history museum covers the reserve’s history, climate, soils, plants, and animals. The reserve can only be visited as part of a guided tour; arrange your visit with the reserve in advance.

Another regional attraction is the watermill in Krasnikovo, a cultural heritage site and an example of wooden architecture, built without a single nail. Its two millstones ground grain into flour and groats. The Watermill Museum also explores the mill’s history and technical features, as well as the miller’s daily working life.

Discover more destinations: Dmitriyevsky District, Lgovsky District, Kursk, Kursky District.

Where Was Vyacheslav Klykov Born?

He was born on October 19, 1939, in the village of Marmyzhy in Sovetsky District, Kursk Oblast.

What in Kshensky Is Associated with Klykov?

A monument to the sculptor, unveiled in 2021, stands near the local history museum. At an exhibition opening in 2024, his works were displayed in several places, including at the monument.

What Cultural Attractions Are There in Marmyzhy?

The museum dedicated to the sculptor houses small-scale replicas of his works. A new church in Marmyzhy is dedicated to the Intercession of the Mother of God and is decorated on all four sides with high reliefs in the style of traditional Vladimir woodcarving.

For the wider travel guide, see: Kursk Oblast.