Pyotr Smirnov House-Museum

About museum

Pyotr Smirnov, known as the "vodka king" of Russia, was born into a family of serfs near Myshkin. At 19 he took over the family business and followed his rule: to offer the best, to produce goods from top-quality materials, and to spare no expense on improved production equipment. Smirnov produced not only vodka but also wines, infused spirits (nastoyki), liqueurs, mineral water, and mors (a traditional berry drink). One of his beverages — "Table Russian Wine No. 21" — was even supplied to the imperial court. Smirnov's products received prizes and awards not only in Russia but also abroad. He considered it a proud distinction when four state coats of arms appeared on his product labels. In Myshkin there is the Pyotr Smirnov house-museum, which displays photographs of the entrepreneur, his personal belongings, and images showing views of Myshkin. Here you can see various types of bottles with designs and inscriptions, shot glasses, and labels from different years. The house-museum also hosts entertainment programs featuring tastings of the local nalivka (a fruit liqueur) and refreshments.