Museum of Architecture and Design

The Museum of Architecture and Design occupies a former 19th-century factory and mint building with exhibition spaces spread across multiple floors displaying architectural models and design collections. The rooms are organized in a way that lets you move easily from one period and style to another.

The building sits on the grounds of the first ironworks dating to 1723, which marked the start of industrial development in the region. When opened as a museum in 1975, it began documenting the architectural changes that happened at this historically important location.

The collection reflects the design thinking of the early Soviet period, when architects created buildings as bold experimental forms rather than traditional structures. Walking through, you see how these ideas shaped the way the city looks and how people use its public spaces today.

The museum sits on Gorkogo Street 4a and is easy to reach by public transport from most parts of the city. Rotating exhibitions run throughout the year, so there is always something new to see when you visit.

The museum holds a collection of miniature replicas that show how the city's buildings have changed from its founding to today. These detailed models help you understand the building and rebuilding of the city across different time periods.