A.V. Sidorov Mineralogical Museum, mineralogical museum
The A.V. Sidorov Mineralogical Museum in Irkutsk displays an extensive collection of minerals and rocks from Siberia and around the world. The exhibition presents around 860 mineral species and holds approximately 30,000 specimens in total.
The collection began in 1930 with the work of renowned geologist A.V. Lvov and grew through donations from students and teachers. In 1991, the museum was formally named in honor of Anatoly Vasilyevich Sidorov, who led it for many years.
The museum bears the name of Anatoly Vasilyevich Sidorov, a geologist who led and shaped the collection for many decades. The naming honors his contributions to mineral research and education in the region.
The museum is located on Lermontov Street and is easily reached by public transportation, as parking is limited. Visiting in the morning hours offers a more comfortable experience when fewer people are present.
The museum houses a jade boulder weighing around 1.5 tons and displays 'The Saddle of Genghis Khan', an unusual mineral formation from the Khokhyurt River in Buryatia. These pieces connect geology with local stories and spark curiosity among visitors.
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