Libraries and Cultural Centers

Omsk State Library named after Alexander Pushkin is one of the largest libraries in Russia. It possesses more than 2 million copies. The library’s fund of rare editions contains priceless, exceptional objects of the Russian book publishing industry, history and culture.

©Photo courtesy of Information Policy Department, Administration of the City of Omsk

Omsk Library named after Alexander Pushkin

On the left bank of the Irtysh River, 200 km away from Omsk, in an old village Bolsherech’e a historical-cultural complex “Old-time Siberia” is located. Housing and support structures as well as everyday life conditions of the people of the previous times have been brought back to life there. Also, there are 10 unique architectural monuments located on the territory of this complex.

Old Siberian ceremonies have been organized there: mass feasts and open-air celebrations on Christmas, Christmastide, Pancake Week, Kupala Day and Savior. The workers of the complex do their best to restore forgotten Siberian arts like weaving, needlework, knitting, birchbark craft, woodcarving, painting of wooden goods and pottery. Visitors have rare opportunity to familiarize themselves with the material and with the intellectual culture of Siberians. Also they can singlehandedly produce ceramic tin whistle, sit at a loom and cook porridge in Russian stove.