Kolyvan Museum of the History of Stone-Cutting in Altai

The main exposition reveals the history of stone-cutting in Altai, the village of Kolyvan, the training system of masters of the Kolyvan Polishing Factory (KSHF), important milestones in the rise of the art of stone-cutting, and the stages of stone processing. Simultaneously, the life and customs of the residents of Kolyvan village are revealed. The world of stone is represented by natural samples with polished surfaces, in which one can see amazing patterns created by Mother Nature and noticed by the masters. The works of Kolyvan stone-cutters of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries amaze with the beauty of the stone and the skill of the craftsmen.

Through photo documents, one can trace the history in faces – stone-cutters, masters, and managers of the Kolyvan Polishing Factory are shown at their workplaces, with their families, and at rest.

Museum visitors are amazed and delighted by the authentic drawings of students from the 19th-century drawing school – blueprints for vases, bowls, and fireplaces from which Kolyvan masters created their works of art to decorate the halls of the Hermitage, palaces, and palace parks in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Paris, and London.

An introduction to the history of the "Tsarina of Vases" – a 20-ton colossus completed over a 12-year period and installed in 1849 in the Great Vase Hall of the Hermitage – is interesting to everyone, as the image of the bowl, symbolizing dignity, bravery, and courage, is featured on the Coat of Arms of the Altai Krai.

The pearl of the 19th-century masters' hall exposition is the cameo "Rodomysl" (1839. Soyuznaya jasper) made by the carver F. Golubtsov. The production of cameos at the Kolyvan Polishing Factory was based on a series of 22 relief-medallions designed by Fyodor Petrovich Tolstoy (1783–1873). In this small piece, like in a drop of water, the virtuoso skill of the carver and the talent of the artist are reflected.

Bronze medals from international exhibitions in London in 1851 and 1862 are presented, as well as the book "Report of the Jury from the 1st International Exhibition of Industrial Products of All Nations" 1851, London, where a whole page is dedicated to the laudatory reviews of the jury members about the Kolyvan vases.

Permanent Expositions: The main exposition reveals the history of stone-cutting in Altai, the village of Kolyvan, the training system of masters of the KSHF, important milestones in the rise of the art of stone-cutting, and the stages of stone processing. Simultaneously, the life and customs of the residents of Kolyvan village are revealed.

The museum hosts various excursions and events (inquire at the museum for details).

Based on Order No. 60 dated August 19, 2015, from the Department of Culture and Youth Affairs of the Kuryinsky District Administration, the ticket prices for visitors to the "Kolyvan Museum of the History of Stone-Cutting in Altai" in 2015 are determined as follows:

• Children, pensioners: admission – 40 rubles, guided tour – 50 rubles.
• Adults: admission – 90 rubles, guided tour – 100 rubles.
• Visit to the "Captain's" tower – 10 rubles.

The right to free admission to the museum is granted to: Veterans of the Great Patriotic War, Labor Veterans of the Kolyvan Stone-Cutting Plant, Labor Veterans of the village of Kolyvan, students of the Kolyvan school, orphanage pupils, veterans of local wars, disabled persons. Children from large families.