Many tourists know Ivanovo as a “city of brides” and a large textile center. However, Ivanovo is also about ancient churches and monasteries, beautiful parks, memorials and unusual monuments. Of the architecture, monuments of the constructivist style stand out. The original houses have unusual names - "Horseshoe House", "Bird House", and "House-Ship". They were built in the 1920-1930s and embody the ideas of the Soviet architectural avant-garde.
The cultural life of Ivanovo is, first of all, the departments of the Burylin Museum of History and Local Lore. It includes the Museum of Ivanovsky Chintz, the Museum of the First Council, the House-Museum of the Bubnov family, the Shchudrovskaya tent, the Museum of Industry and Art. Patron Burylin founded the first museum in Ivanovo based on his own unique collection. Many believe that it was his contribution that determined the development of cultural life in the city.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Ivanovo. He will help you plan routes and choose excursions to explore the top places of the city in 2-3 days.
Embankment of the river Uvod
Ovod flows through the entire city, and in its central part, the river bank is ennobled and is an excellent walking area. On the ennobled part of the coast, benches, lanterns are installed, city holidays are often held with fireworks. Ducks live in the river and take food with pleasure. Industrial buildings of the XIX-XX centuries have been preserved along the embankment, a modern shopping center and an amusement park have been built.
Recommended: 30 best sights of the Ivanovo region.
Shchudrovskaya tent
A brick building that has become a symbol of Ivanovo. Located near Revolution Square. It is the oldest building in the city - built in the 17th century. The ascetic building does not have any special architectural delights - an ornamental belt is laid above the base, and the windows are framed by curly platbands. It was built as a clerk's hut. In the 19th century, the building passed into the possession of the clerk Shchudrov, hence it got its name.
Revolution square
The central square, where the main administrative buildings of the city are located - the City Hall and the City Administration. The central avenues of the city - Sheremetevsky and Lenin - begin from here, Kokuy boulevard is located nearby. On the square there is a public garden with a monument to the Fighters of the 1905 Revolution. Nearby, there is a memorial with the names of the victims and a monument to the founder of the manufacturing business in Ivanovo, Yakov Garelin.
Square of victory
Located in the Frunzensky District. In the process of improvement in 2012, the sidewalk of the square was tiled, the parking lot and storm drains were renewed. At the end of the reconstruction, a monument to St. George the Victorious appeared on the square. It was installed at the church named after the great martyr. Interesting buildings on the square are made in the style of constructivism - the shopping center Polet, in the building of the former Regional Consumer Union there is a supermarket.
Museum of Industry and Art
It is located on Baturin Street in an Italian palazzo style building. Statues of Hermes and Aphrodite, as well as stucco flowerpots, are installed between the paired columns at the main entrance. The exposition of the museum has been created since 1914 by the patron Burylin. Currently, the collections of the once private museum are supplemented with exhibits of various subjects - armor, weapons, coins, oriental jewelry, orders, rare old books.
Museum and Exhibition Center
The neoclassical museum building is located on Sovetskaya Street. It was built by architects Shakhmatov and Tolstopyatov in 1980. Initially, the Museum of the First Council was located here. The museum organizes permanent and temporary exhibitions, conducts lectures, scientific and creative events. The museum has a library with a large fund and a conference hall for 200 people. Off-site events are being held.
Boulevard Kokuy
The pedestrian boulevard is laid between Pushkin Square and Revolution Square. It often hosts festivals, street exhibitions, mass celebrations and festive events. In winter, the main Christmas tree is erected here. More than 100 years ago, on the site of the boulevard, there was a ravine along which the Kokuya stream ran. At the expense of a local manufacturer, first a dam was erected over the ravine, and then the boulevard was equipped, driving the stream into a pipe.
The main educational building of IvGMA
The building of the Medical Academy is located at the intersection of Pushkin Street and Sheremetevsky Avenue. It was erected in the Stalinist style according to the project of Kadnikov. Construction was carried out from 1937 to 1956. The dominant feature of the building is a five-tiered corner stepped tower. Each tier has its own architectural feature - semicircular windows, colonnade, Corinthian order, balustrade. The main entrance is designed as a semi-rotunda.
Art square
Another name is the Arts Square. Located at the intersection of August 10 and Maria Ryabinina streets. Among the flowering flower beds and flat green lawns, there are several original art objects. The most attention is attracted by the realistic monument to the bard Ivanovo Arkady Severny. He is depicted with a bottle and a cigarette, reflecting the character of the poet. Another interesting sculpture is the cute bronze dachshund.
Memorial to the heroes of the front and rear
Located on Sheremetevsky prospect. It perpetuates the merits of the Ivanovoites - those who fought at the front and those who worked in the rear. In 2010, the eternal flame was opened at the memorial, in 2012 cannons of the war years were installed, and in 2017 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared at the memorial. Bronze medallions bear the names of full holders of the Orders of Glory and heroes of the USSR, who were natives of Ivanovo.
First Workers' settlement
Residential area, built in 1924-1928. Its houses have a half-timbered style, and the village itself is made in the concept of a garden city. This is one of the most innovative architectural solutions in the Soviet era. The low-rise houses of the village are expressive examples of Soviet architecture. They were given the status of a monument of urban planning art. The commune settlement is located between the streets of Paris Commune and Kuznetsov.
Architectural landmarks of Ivanovo
Among the architectural objects, it is worth noting the constructivist monuments of the avant-garde. These are the famous metaphorical houses, commune houses, kitchen factories, which were supposed to make Ivanovo an exemplary socialist city.
"House-ship"
The house in the style of constructivism is part of the second Workers' village. The building, consisting of two buildings, was built in 1929-1930. Its main building, which received the name "House-ship", was intended for the nomenclature. Its beveled end and rounded wall resemble the bow of a ship. The glazing of the first floor looks like a surface of water. The second building was popularly nicknamed "the barge", it was intended for the living of workers.
"House of the collective"
The house was built from 1929 to 1931. The brick building with 400 apartments was conceived as a hostel, which will have its own laundry, kindergarten, and canteen. It is a vivid example of Soviet constructivism and has the status of a federal architectural monument. The buildings of the house have different number of storeys - from 4 to 6 floors. They are connected in pairs. From the side, the "Collective House" has a very dynamic look.
"Horseshoe House"
Another monument of constructivism, built in the 1930s. The house was given an unusual name because of its semicircular shape. Its outer wall is 180 meters long and the inner facade is 108 meters long. 104 apartments of the house were intended for workers of the political department of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. Local residents believed that there were underground passages between the Horseshoe House and the nearby NKVD and KGB departments.
"Bird House"
When viewed from a height at the unusual structure, it really seems that it looks like a bird spreading its wings in flight. The original building was erected in 1928 by the architect Pankov. It is believed that the architect added Art Nouveau elements to the project of the constructivist style typical of those times. The resulting original project of a house with a turret was called “revolutionary constructivism”.
Ivselbank
The complex of buildings of the Bank's Head Office occupies an entire block. It is the oldest regional office of the State Bank. According to documents, the branch was opened in 1883. But one of its buildings at the intersection of Teatralnaya and Red Army streets is especially noteworthy. It was built in the 1920s by the architect Vesnin. The original glazing of the walls gives expressiveness to the monumental structure.
Dühringer's estate
The Art Nouveau manor was built before the revolution in 1914. The original brick building on Ryabinina Street was designed by local architect Snurilov. He developed the concept of a manor house in the form of a medieval castle with turrets and asymmetric ledges. Despite its age, the building of the main house is well preserved. Previously, the estate included utility buildings, a gatehouse, a small house and a gate.
Shop of brothers Kurazhev
Located on Lenin Avenue. This building was also designed by Snurilov. The building was erected in 1912 using different architectural styles - Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Neo-Russian style. The canopies of the windows in the form of domes indicate that the Kurazhev brothers belong to the Old Believers. Before the revolution, the building housed a manufacturing store and a bank. Now its walls are occupied by a bookstore.
Parks and squares Ivanovo
The city has beautiful amusement parks and green alleys. Park "Kharinka", park named after Stepanov are popular. Here you can relax with the whole family, go boating, sit in a cozy cafe.
Park of Culture and Rest named after V. Ya. Stepanov
It is located at the bed of the Uvod River. Occupies an area of 70 hectares. There is a beautiful arch with columns and stucco at the entrance to the park. The park has everything you need for pleasant and active leisure - an area with attractions, playgrounds and sports grounds, cafes, benches in the alleys between the trees. There is a boat station, a shooting range, a beach area and a paintball court. You can see the city from the 31-meter height of the Ferris wheel.
Park "Kharinka"
It is located in the Soviet district on a picturesque coastal area. Founded in 1966. Most of the park is occupied by a natural green area. In it you can walk in a real forest, admire the water landscapes, ride a boat or catamarans on the Kharinka River. There is a 12 hectare beach area on the shore. The park has attractions, cafes, sports equipment rental, and volleyball courts.
Park of Culture and Rest named after the Revolution of 1905
Located on the banks of the Talitsa River. A large alley is laid through the park, which leads to the botanical garden. On one of the landscaped alleys, there is a beautiful fountain with a sculpture of a girl with an umbrella. There is a large horseshoe in the park. It is believed to bring happiness and good fortune to visitors. The park provides horse riding services, there are playgrounds and sports grounds, attractions, and a boat station.
The best museums in Ivanovo
The most popular museums in the city, which you should definitely visit, are the branches of the DG Burylin Museum of History and Local Lore.
Museum of ivanovo chintz
It is located within the walls of the former Burylin mansion on Baturin Street. This is an Art Nouveau building decorated with stained glass windows and stucco. The expositions of the museum are devoted to the production of cotton in Ivanovo and fashion. Here are presented several hundred thousand samples of types of fabrics, equipment for the production of textiles. More than 100 enterprises of Ivanovo took part in the creation of the collections. Themed excursions are organized.
Ivanovo Regional Art Museum
Has been working since 1959. Located in the building of a former real school built in 1886. The collection of the museum consists of 40,000 objects of art from different countries and times - ancient Egypt, the ancient world, ancient Russian art, works of the countries of the East. Special attention should be paid to the halls with samples of 16th century icon painting, Palekh miniatures, works of contemporary and Soviet artists, and Western European painting.
Museum of the First Council
Located in the building of the bourgeois council, erected in 1904 by the architect Afanasyev. Twice the expositions of the museum were moved from here to another place. Since 2005, the museum has finally settled in a historical place on Sovetskaya Street. The atmosphere in the meeting room of the bourgeois council of the early 20th century has been restored in the memorial hall. Photographs from private collections were used to create the exposition.
Museum of the Soviet Automotive Industry
Created on the basis of the Ivanovo Automobile Plant. The museum has an extensive collection of domestically produced cars. There are both mass-produced cars and unique rare cars - the Volga or Chaika specially created for the KGB officers, used as a medical vehicle for the Government employees. All vehicles are in excellent condition. Located on the street of the Paris Commune.
Museum of the artist A. I. Morozov
It is located in the house on Bagaev Street, which was chosen by the artist himself. This is a 1910 mansion in an unusual style of rationalistic architecture. The arrangement of the museum began in 1994. Morozov himself a year before his death donated his personal belongings, creative works and documents to the museum, and also bequeathed to him a collection of his paintings. In total, about 3000 exhibits are kept in the museum's funds. The basis of the collection is 74 works by Morozov.
House-Museum of the Bubnov family
Dedicated to the family of the revolutionary A.S. Bubnov. The museum is located on the street of the Third International, in a classic building built in 1860. A small house with a mezzanine has the status of an architectural monument. It belonged to the Bubnov family from the 1880s to the 1940s. The museum was opened in 1987. A separate exposition is devoted to the life of the revolutionary Bolshevik, the interior of the living room has been recreated, and creative evenings are held.
Museum of the Tsvetaev family
Located in the village of Novo-Talitsy, a short drive from Ivanovo. The museum is located in an old wooden house, in which three generations of the Tsvetaev family lived since 1853. The state bought the house in 1988 and established a museum in it, which opened in 1995. For many years, the museum staff collected genuine exhibits for expositions - personal belongings, photographs, books, relics of the Tsvetaev family.
Main theaters of Ivanovo
For fans of theatrical performances and music concerts, we recommend visiting the Philharmonic or the Palace of Arts.
Ivanovo "Palace of Arts"
Multifunctional complex, consisting of several theaters - drama theater, musical theater, puppet theater. The total capacity of all halls is over 2500 people. On the stages of the Palace of Arts, you can see performances of different genres - musical, ballet, opera, comedy, experimental performances, puppet plays for adults and children. It is located on the banks of the Uvod River, on Pushkin Square. There is a fountain in front of the main entrance.
Ivanovo Philharmonic
The laconic monumental building of the Philharmonic is located in the historic center of the city. Its austere appearance is adorned only by panoramic windows. After the last reconstruction, the auditorium for 460 seats has become more comfortable, modern sound and light equipment has appeared. Philharmonic ensembles include an orchestra of Russian folk instruments and a symphony orchestra, a vocal trio, and an ensemble of folk brass music.
Monasteries of the city of Ivanovo
There are male and female monasteries in Ivanovo. These are beautiful notable architectural objects and places of pilgrimage for believers.Young monasteries - founded in the 90s of the last century.
Vvedensky nunnery
Located in the city center. The main architectural dominant of the monastery is the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin. At the beginning of the 20th century, Patriarch Tikhon served in it. The monastery was founded in 1991. The monastery is home to 150 novices who are actively involved in charity work, social projects and educational activities. A sister's choir was organized, the recordings of which are posted on the site of the monastery.
Assumption Monastery
Founded in 1998. Located on Sovetskaya Street. The center of the monastery was the Assumption Cemetery Church, which was badly damaged during the Soviet era. Since 2014, the Assumption Church of the monastery has the status of a cathedral. The second temple of the monastery was built in honor of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers of Emperor Nicholas II and his family. There are 30 novices living on the territory of the monastery, and a farm is being maintained.
Churches and temples of Ivanovo
Unlike monasteries, churches have a more ancient history. The most famous operating religious buildings are the churches of the Orthodox denomination.
Transfiguration Cathedral
It was erected at the end of the 19th century by the project of an architect from Moscow - Kaminsky. The cathedral was made in the traditional "Russian" style, imitating the rich historical decor of the architecture of the 17th century. The white stone church with blue domes looks very beautiful. A high hipped bell tower is attached to the cathedral on the west side. The iconostasis of the cathedral is made in baroque style. The walls are decorated with oil frescoes from the early 20th century.
Sorrow Church
Located at the intersection of Rabfakovskaya and Kuznetsova streets. Previously, it was the territory of the Dmitrievskaya Sloboda and a church was built with donations from local merchants. It was built in 1879. In 1976, the church was blown up, but in 1999 it was rebuilt on a vacant lot abandoned after the explosion. They tried to give the reconstructed church a historical look. Modern technologies have made it more spacious.
Kazan Church
It is a federal architectural monument. Initially, a textile factory was located in the building in 1787. However, its new owner, Old Believer Mikhail Yamanovsky, rebuilt it into a prayer house. In 1910 it received the status of the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The church has an original color scheme - its walls are painted white, and the domes are dark. There is an artesian spring within the walls of the church.
Vladimirskaya church
The red brick temple is located on Lezhnevskaya street. It was built according to the project of the architect of the Vladimir province Peter Begen. The church has the style of the 17th century - the original look is given by the rounded shapes of the domes. A low bell tower is attached to the temple. The entrances to the church are decorated with elegant porches, the windows are decorated with carved platbands and figured kokoshniks. On the western side, it was planned to build an almshouse.
Children's attractions Ivanovo
Among the children's entertainment, the city circus and the zoo should be noted first of all. Another interesting place is the Ferris wheel in Stepanov Park.
Ivanovo Zoo
Founded in 1994. Occupies an area of 2.7 hectares. Now it is home to more than 800 animals of 150 different species - birds, ungulates, primates, predators and rodents. The most interesting for visitors are enclosures with bears, leopards, Amur tigers and kangaroos. In the Ivanovo Zoo now lives the Siberian Crane Par, with whom V.V. Putin in 2012. The zoo often hosts recreational activities for children.
Ivanovo State Circus
It is located on Lenin Avenue near the embankment of the Uvod River. It was founded in 1932, and a new building for the circus was built in 1983. In addition to local artists, famous circus groups often perform in the circus arena - the Filatov brothers, the Kornilov show, the Water Show and the Royal Tiger Show of Sumatra. Pop concerts are also held. The circus equipment allows to demonstrate bright and entertaining programs.
Ferris wheel
Installed in Stepanov Park near the bank of the Uvod River. The height of the wheel is equal to the height of a 16-storey building, so tourists should not miss the unique opportunity to view the city panorama from an unusual angle. All booths of the attraction are equipped with air conditioners, and the heating system works during the cold season. In the evening, bright multi-colored illumination turns on on the wheel. The Ferris wheel ride will take about 5 minutes.
Monuments and monuments of Ivanovo
On the streets and squares of the city you can see historical monuments and modern sculptures. They decorate the city, introduce famous events and outstanding personalities.
Monument to the old man on the bench
It is located in the Student Square. The author of the monument is a local artist V. Volkov. According to him, his own great-grandfather became the prototype of the old man. The metal sculpture depicts a grandfather sitting on a bench with a stick in his hand. The old man is accompanied by a kitten lurking at his feet. There are benches near the unusual city monument, where tourists and locals like to relax.
Monument to M. V. Frunze
Located in the City Park near the circus. The monument was unveiled in 1957. The bronze sculpture is installed on a high black granite pedestal. Architects Tolstopyatov and Rostkovsky, sculptor Neroda worked on the monument. Ivanovtsy not in vain immortalized the memory of the revolutionary. It was by order of Frunze that Ivanovo became a province in 1918, and Frunze became the first head of the provincial party committee.
Monument to D. Burylin
The monument to the famous philanthropist, collector and manufacturer was erected in 2015 in Literary Square. Nearby is the Burylins' family house, which is now occupied by a chintz museum. Several sculptors worked on the monument - Vladimir and Alexander Tverdov, Igor Bychkov. They portrayed Burylin in the stately image of an honorary citizen of the city. The area around the monument is decorated in the Art Nouveau style.
Memorial complex "Krasnaya Talka"
The memorial keeps the memory of the revolutionaries of Ivanovo-Voznesensk and the creation of the first council of deputies in the city. The architect of the complex is Vasilkovsky, the sculptor is Mikhailenok. The monument was erected in 1957. It is a tall metal obelisk with reliefs on three sides. Located near the Park named after the Revolution of 1905. It was at this place that rallies and demonstrations of workers took place during the revolutionary years.
Monument to Yakov Garelin
The monument to the manufacturer and philanthropist was erected in 2011. Its opening is timed to coincide with the 140th anniversary of Ivanovo. The bronze monument is 2.9 meters high; the monument is installed on a 2-meter pedestal. The monument is located in the Revolution Square. From 1877 to 1886, Garelin served as the mayor. Under his leadership, street improvement began in the city, many cultural structures were built.
Monument to homeless animals "Fidelity"
Established at the initiative of animal shelter volunteers. The author of the monument is local sculptor Igor Bychkov. To accurately depict the sculptures, he visited a shelter with stray animals several times. The sculpture represents the devotion and loyalty of pets. Empty slippers are depicted near the sculptures of a cat and a dog. Animals seem to look into people's eyes, inviting them to put on slippers and become their owners.
