Volzhsky: Museums, History and Theatre

• The Volzhsky Historical and Local History Museum includes, among other exhibits, a reconstruction of a Bronze Age grave from the Srubnaya culture.
• The Museum of Remembrance for Soldiers, War Veterans and Law Enforcement Officers focuses on war and offers the “19-54” game for school pupils and university students.
• The Volzhsky Art Gallery displays works of Socialist Realism and post-war artists known as the “Sixtiers.”
• Volzhsky Park of Culture and Recreation is also located in Volzhsky.

The permanent “Archaeology” exhibition at the Volzhsky Historical and Local History Museum spans a broad period: it features the remains of prehistoric animals and a reconstruction of a Bronze Age grave from the Srubnaya culture. Another permanent exhibition is titled “History of the Village of Verkhnyaya Akhtuba.” It displays original everyday objects, tools and clothing belonging to residents of the village of Besrodnoye. The exhibition on the “History of the Construction of the Volga Hydroelectric Power Station” focuses on a major construction project of the 20th century. In this museum, archaeological finds, everyday history and the history of technology are brought together.

The Museum of Remembrance for Soldiers, War Veterans and Law Enforcement Officers focuses on different themes. The exhibition “Trans-Volga Region during the Great Patriotic War” covers the construction of the railway during the war, as well as artillery, aviation, the navy and medicine in the Trans-Volga Region. It also explores the history of the village of Besrodnoye and documents, letters and memoirs of participants in the Battle of Stalingrad. Other items on display include a wartime dugout, weapons and decorations, as well as uniforms worn by participants in the battle and law enforcement officers.

The historical-patriotic game “19-54” is also based at the same museum. It combines elements of a guided tour with a historical quest about local history and is aimed at school pupils and university students. If you’d like to include the programme in your trip, check with the museum in advance to see if it is available.

The Volzhsky Art Gallery displays historical paintings in the Socialist Realist style, as well as works by post-war artists known as the “Sixtiers.” The Arlekin Puppet Theatre offers a different perspective on local cultural history: in the mid-1990s, it settled permanently in the former Energetik cinema building; since the move, it has staged thousands of performances. The Volzhsky City Council had already decided to establish a municipal puppet theatre on 5 December 1990. For specific performances, it is best to check the theatre’s latest information.

The wider travel destination of Volgograd Oblast also has distinctive cultural attractions. In 2012, the year marking the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Volga–Don Canal, the Park of the History of the Russian State was established in the village of Pyatimorsk. It lies on the bank of the navigable canal and includes an Alley of the Great Patriotic War with busts of generals, marshals and Generalissimo I. V. Stalin.

In Volgograd, the Staraya Sarepta Museum Reserve is an architectural ensemble in the Saxon Baroque style, with 26 buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Battle of Stalingrad” Panorama Museum has eight halls with exhibits from the Great Patriotic War and four painted dioramas depicting episodes from the Battle of Stalingrad. Each museum has a different focus: Staraya Sarepta presents an ensemble of historic architecture, while the Panorama Museum explores its themes through halls and dioramas.

Lake Elton, a salt lake, lies in eastern Volgograd Oblast. At 152 km², it is Europe’s largest salt lake. Since 2001, the lake and surrounding land have been designated a specially protected natural area; Elton Nature Park was established at the same time. The lake’s size and protected status are both part of the region’s natural landscape.

Shcherbakovsky Nature Park brings together a variety of landscapes: the areas known as “Volga Switzerland” lie on a plateau along the banks of the Volga. The broad Shcherbakovskaya Ravine is characterised by woodland, flowers and grasses. Tsimlyansk Sands Nature Park in Chernyshkovsky District is a sandy area. Activities offered in Donskoy Nature Park include walks along tourist routes and eco-trails; kayaking on the Don and Ilovlya rivers is also mentioned. The regional overview thus brings landscapes and activities together without implying a particular route or distance.

Discover more destinations: Olkhovka, Shelomovo, Gorkovsky, Srednyaya Akhtuba, Kamyshin, Peschanyy, Pallasovka, Zelenyy.

What themes does the Volzhsky Historical and Local History Museum cover?

The permanent exhibitions cover archaeology, the history of the village of Verkhnyaya Akhtuba and the history of the construction of the Volga Hydroelectric Power Station. The exhibits range from prehistoric remains and a reconstructed grave to everyday objects, tools and clothing.

Who is the “19-54” game intended for?

The historical-patriotic game is aimed at school pupils and university students. It combines elements of a guided tour with a historical quest; check with the museum to find out if it is available on your date.

What natural attractions does Volgograd Oblast offer?

Examples described include the protected Lake Elton, the sandy area of Tsimlyansk Sands and the landscape of Shcherbakovsky Nature Park. Donskoy Nature Park also offers walks along tourist routes and eco-trails, as well as kayaking on the Don and Ilovlya rivers.

For the wider travel guide: Volgograd Oblast.