The Golden Ring of Russia is a cultural and historical route that includes several ancient towns in the northeast of the Moscow Region and in Central Russia. These towns are considered true pearls of Russian culture and history. They are known for their ancient churches and monasteries, masterpieces of art, and architecture.
Traditionally the Golden Ring includes eight towns: Vladimir, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Rostov, Ivanovo, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and Sergiev Posad. Many of these towns were founded in ancient times and still preserve the memory of historical events and legends that have become part of Russian culture. Therefore, a trip along the Golden Ring is an amazing experience of immersion in Russia's history and culture, leaving vivid impressions and unforgettable emotions for visitors.
Today I have prepared material about five unusual museums worth telling about. More museums of the Golden Ring can be seen in our selection.
Show-model "Golden Ring"
These are not just miniature towns — the creators recreated the main cultural sites and conveyed the life of the towns, their sound and atmosphere. One hundred and forty-seven specialists worked on the model for two years — artists, 3D technology specialists, engineers, and sound designers. The result is an amazing world of miniatures where every square centimeter is filled with lively and engaging scenes. From shepherds tending their flocks in Pereslavl, to lumberjacks hauling timber in Suzdal, and gatherings of the model's inhabitants in Kostroma — "Golden Ring" captivates with its vivacity and magic. This project is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.
Borodin Family Forge
The creative workshop of the Borodin family, hereditary blacksmiths, is a center for preserving the blacksmith's craft and folk traditions. It continues to operate to this day, which makes it even more valuable to visitors. The masters work using old techniques that few use today. During a visit to the forge, guests can see a real fire, feel the heat of red-hot metal, hold a blacksmith's hammer in their hands, and learn how a modern forge differs from one of the past. Visitors can take part in the forging process — make a nail themselves and, of course, take it home as a souvenir.
The Borodins' workshop is not only a forge but also a gallery of decorative and applied arts. Artist-blacksmiths take part in All-Russian and international art exhibitions, which attests to the high level of their skill. The forge displays dozens of forged works of art made in the traditions of Russian folk smithing. Each piece is light, graceful, and unique, as it carries a piece of the maker's soul and the warmth of their hands. All works of art are available for guests to view.
Museum "House of City Head G. N. Botnikov"
From 1908 to 1914, the house that now houses the museum was the residence of a Kostroma merchant — Gennady Nikolaevich Botnikov. For fourteen years he served as the city head and worked diligently for the benefit of his native city. He used not only his official powers but also his personal funds for the development and improvement of Kostroma, and engaged in charitable activities. The museum recreates the unique atmosphere and typical interiors of a merchant's residence from the beginning of the last century. Visitors can take a tour of the nine rooms of the house, with a total area of about 300 square meters, and enjoy interesting educational talks on various topics. It is also possible to book photo sessions and celebratory events at the museum on request.
Entertaining Museum "Izba Tavern"
Want to make your visit to the most atmospheric town of the Golden Ring brighter and more memorable? Forget about boring exhibits under glass and monotonous lectures — instead, we invite you to take a journey to 19th-century Suzdal and visit a Russian izba, imagine yourself as a patron of an authentic tavern, and drop in for tea with the merchant's wife Apollinaria Pavlovna. If you want to introduce your child to the life of our ancestors, learn about daily life, traditions, and customs of our people, come to the interactive tours in Suzdal; adult visitors can enjoy traditional Russian drinks.
Museum of Sweets "Russian Treats"
If you are passionate about history and enjoy the atmosphere of an old town, as well as fragrant gingerbreads and aromatic tea, or simply tired after long walks, we recommend you visit the new Museum of Russian Sweets on Chaikovsky Street in Kostroma. In old times in Russia, sweets and tasty food were called "slasti." A person who made and sold them was called a slastnik or a confectioner, as we call them now.
One of Kostroma's best-known confectioners of the late 19th century was Mr. Borovsky. The windows of his confectionery shop displayed cakes of all kinds and shapes. He baked the most delicious cakes in the city and treated his guests to Russian tea. In the museum you will see exhibits of peasant and merchant household items, a collection of Kostroma and Tula samovars, and antique confectionery equipment.
