Old Vladimir Museum

The Museum “Old Vladimir” is located next to the famous Golden Gate of Vladimir, it is a unique phenomenon. It is not even in its exhibitions, among which, by the way, its rarity is something special, and that is the first museum of Russia that was opened in the building of the water tower. This place appeared in 1868, and in 1912 was rebuilt. Outwardly, the building resembles a fortress tower and is a three-storey brick building in the form of tanks, made in the neo-Russian style. Its water tower was purposely built and served until the 1950’s.

It was replaced by urban water supply, and for a time everything was forgotten. It was remembered in 1967, when they decided to maintain it and given the state as a monument to urban planning and architecture. In 1971, the tower was moved to the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve, which began to equip the building for the new museum. The “Old Vladimir” After the reconstruction in 1975, it was opened as a museum along with the water tower.

The museum exhibition

The exhibition has three floors of the tower dedicated to the life of the city from the late 19th century and early 20th century, which we see normal every day in Vladimir and unvarnished. Philistines, officials, merchants in the stands and in spaces pay attention to all sectors of the city. There can be no hurry to walk mentally through the old streets, look at the restaurant, with a breeze and ride a horse carriage, visit a theatrical premiere, or visit a musical night at the officer’s house.

Here there is a rich house of the lean church shop of the rich Vladimirtsov, but the charming restaurant with a samovar, trays and cups. The interiors are meticulously recreated and convey the flavor of the old city and the era as a whole. The walls are decorated with yellowed newspapers, magazine pages and book excerpts.

Lovers of photographs and old postcards will get a real pleasure, looking at a collection of photos and postcards from the late 19th and early 20th century, with pictures of streets, squares, ancient cathedrals. Visitors are attracted by the colorful museums of advertising sales of companies, restaurants and taverns.

In total, the “Old Vladimir” museum has collected about 800 exhibits, among them are really unique elements. For example, one of the true legendary grid chambers of Vladimir Central.

After touring the main exhibition, which occupies three floors, you can climb to the fourth open floor where the panoramic viewing platform is located. It will appear in all its splendor before they extend on the shores of Vladimir’s Klyazma, and observe its numerous architectural monuments such as the famous white stone cathedral.