Architectural and ethnographic museum-reserve “Ludorvai”
Ludorvai is an architectural and ethnographic museum-reserve in Udmurtia, located just 17 kilometers from the capital of the republic – the city of Izhevsk. Everyone interested in these places will be cordially introduced to the way of life, traditions and culture of unique ethnic minorities.
Video: Ludorvai
Historical Background
Although the official date of foundation of Ludorvai is 1986, when it was decided to create a branch of the local history museum, the complex received its first visitors relatively recently, in 1997. A little more than a decade that passed between these events, took the process of transforming the Ilyinsky settlement and the surrounding lands into a place where history comes alive. Since then and up to the present day, the reconstruction, expansion and improvement of the exposition on the territory of the Ludorvai Reserve have been ongoing.
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What surprises the guests of Ludorvai
Those who are frightened by the prospect of walking through faceless halls with dusty exhibits behind glass, can breathe a sigh of relief. The museum is located in the open air, on the lands with the area of nearly 60 hectares are collected unique examples of folk architecture of the late XIX – early XX century, united on the principle of microcells.
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Tips for visitors
In order not to get confused in the vast territory and not to miss anything important, the employees of the Ludorvae complex offer to use the services of a guide. Several times a day on a seasonal schedule, group sightseeing tours are organized. The scientific staff will gladly tell you a lot of interesting things about the peoples of the Kama region, their everyday life and customs, formed by the beginning of the last century. They also regularly organize thematic and interactive tours, during which you can learn a lot about the traditions of witchcraft, national costumes and jewelry, weaving craft and other aspects of life.
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However, there are no obstacles for an independent journey to the origins – you just need to carefully study the plan-scheme at the entrance after buying a ticket and move at your own pace between the houses standing on the bank of the picturesque Ludorvai River, passing carved figures of Udmurt folklore heroes along the way.
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Do not hurry to leave the reserve after visiting the exposition, because for a small fee each guest can take part in a master class to his liking. Culinarians will be pleased with baking the calling card of the Udmurt cuisine – open vatrushki “perepechey” with meat or vegetable filling. It will take very little time to create your own dolls from fabric, threads and bald, but a lesson in pottery or candle making will require patience and attention to detail. Children will love participating in folk games and dances.
.But if you want to be in the center of real fun, plan a visit to Ludorvai by one of the holidays – Peter’s Day, Shrovetide, Christmas, Honey Savior, Gerber, Village Day, summer festival – to take part in mass festivities, traditional contests and listen to performances of folklore ensembles.
.Opening times and tickets
Ludorvai Museum is closed on Mondays. On all other days you are welcome from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
.An independent walk without a guided tour will cost 80 rubles per person. For schoolchildren, students and pensioners in the presence of supporting documents – 50 rubles.
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Overview and thematic excursions, master classes are paid additionally.
.How to get there
Those who are going to Ludorvai from afar, it is best to choose Izhevsk as a transit point. Here you will easily find accommodation suitable in terms of comfort and cost, and the way from the city to the reserve by private car or cab takes only a little more than half an hour along the Nylginskiy tract.
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If you are coming from another settlement, head along the federal highway “Perm – Kazan”. Even without a signpost, the complex is easy to find thanks to the silhouette of a windmill visible from afar.
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The most budget-friendly way is bus number 310, which will take passengers from the Southern bus station of Izhevsk to the center of the village of the same name. However, after that you will have a short walk: from the bus stop to the museum is about 2 kilometers.
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