National Museum of the Republic of Karelia

About museum

National Museum of the Republic of Karelia is one of the oldest museums in Northwestern Russia, founded in 1871. It is located in the center of Petrozavodsk and consists of an ensemble of historical and architectural buildings constructed in the neoclassical style in the 18th century. The museum's collection contains more than 230,000 items representing the nature, archaeology and history of the Republic and the city, as well as the traditional culture of Karelians, Russians and Veps. There are two branches: the Museum of the History of Russia's First Resort 'Marcial Waters' and the Sheltozero Veps Ethnographic Museum. In December 2020 a branch was opened in Belomorsk — the Museum of the Karelian Front. The museum offers guided tours, interactive programs, outreach activities, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions. Special facilities are provided for visitors with disabilities. The museum also has a gift shop, audio guides and a children's interactive area.