Perm: Theater History, Museums and City Routes

• The official history of the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre begins in 1870, with the first performance of Glinka’s opera “A Life for the Tsar.”
• The self-guided “Zelenaya liniya” route includes 41 historic and modern stops; allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the walk. The selection of stops may change.
• The “Obshchiy marshrut” runs through the valley of the Yegoshikha River, between PERMM and the Jewish section of the Yegoshikha Necropolis.
• The Diorama Museum and memorial complex on Vyshka Hill focus on the events of the First Russian Revolution of 1905 in Motovilikha.

The theater’s history can be traced through two dates. The first performance in 1870 was followed in 1879 by the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre’s move into a three-story stone building. It was built in the style of late Russian Classicism, based on a design by architect Rudolf Karvovsky. The history of performances and the history of the building thus stand as distinct chapters.

The memorial complex on Vyshka Hill focuses on a different historical theme: the events of the First Russian Revolution of 1905 in Motovilikha. The Perm Artillery Museum also explores the history of this industrial district, focusing on the Motovilikha Plants, one of the oldest still-operating companies in the Western Urals. These subjects offer different historical perspectives on Perm and Motovilikha.

The “Zelenaya liniya” is designed for a walk without a guide. Its 41 stops include historic and modern sites, such as the Chapel of Saint Stephen of Perm, the “Permyak — solenyye ushi” sculpture, and the Meshkov House. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the route. Since the selection of stops may change, it is best to check the current route before setting out, especially if you have specific stops in mind.

The “Krasnaya liniya” introduces Perm through well-known people who lived there. This gives it a different focus from the Green Line, with its historic and modern stops. If you would rather choose a route based on a cultural theme, the “Obshchiy marshrut” runs through the Yegoshikha Valley between PERMM and the Jewish section of the necropolis. The route combines an unusual natural setting with insights into local history and Jewish culture. Art installations and tours created by their makers share stories and meanings associated with the route; if you are planning to take a tour, check its current availability in advance.

The history of the PERMM Museum of Contemporary Art offers another perspective on time. In 2008, the exhibition “Russkoye bednoye” was shown in Perm and became the foundation for the later museum. After PERMM moved in 2014 to a temporary building on Gagarin Boulevard, the collection was extensively expanded during that period with works by contemporary artists from Perm. Exhibition projects also focused more strongly on the local context. These milestones describe developments at the time and do not make any claims about current exhibitions or the museum’s present location.

The Museum of Permian Antiquities explores the history of the Earth, as well as plants and animals from past geological eras studied by paleontology. Alongside theater, art, and industrial history, past life forms are another distinct museum theme. For a change of pace from the museums, the Kama River Embankment is an important place for residents of Perm to walk and relax.

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How much time should you allow for the Green Line?

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore independently. The selection of stops may change; check the current route if you have specific stops in mind.

What is the difference between the Red Line and the Green Line?

The Red Line introduces Perm through well-known people who lived there. The Green Line includes historic and modern stops and is designed for a walk without a guide.

Are there tours on the “Obshchiy marshrut”?

Art installations and tours created by their makers share stories and meanings associated with the route. If you would like to take a tour, check its current availability in advance.

Go to the main travel overview: Perm Krai.

Useful information for planning your trip:

Perm on the Kama: Ural City, Museums and Urban Forest | poezdka.de.