Museum of Wooden Architecture

The Museum of Wooden Architecture is an open-air site with about 30 wooden buildings from the Kostroma region, including homes, churches, and storage structures from different periods. The structures are arranged across a riverside location and display various building styles and sizes.

The museum was established in 1955 when construction of the Gorky hydroelectric dam required moving historical wooden buildings from the region to higher ground. These structures were brought together at a new location to save them from flooding.

The structures reveal how people in this region traditionally built and lived, with wooden churches and homes showing local craftsmanship and building methods. Walking through the site, you notice handmade details and decorative carvings that reflect the area's building heritage.

The site is best explored on foot, with paths leading between the buildings and providing access to each one. Wear comfortable shoes as there are inclines and uneven ground, and plan for several hours to see the collection properly.

The Church of the Assembly of the Holy Virgin dates from the 16th century and ranks among Russia's oldest surviving wooden churches. Its age and detailed wood carvings make it a striking example of early Russian wooden building craftsmanship.

Location: Kostroma

GPS coordinates: 57.77479,40.89174

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58