Myshkin. Where and what is it?
A small provincial town with unusual name Myshkin (in Russian a Mouse's town) is situated on the Volga river 100 km from Yaroslavl. It is surrounded by a pine forest. It is a quiet town with no factories and plants, and 6 thousand people live there. The residents are in love with the town, and they are proud, calling themselves Myshkinites.
Let's learn more about Myshkin and its people.
Overwiew of History of Myshkin
Myshkin literally means a Mouse's town. Every resident would be glad to tell you the legend of the origin of the town's name.
It happened many centuries ago. An unknown prince stopped for the night in the woods and lay down on the grass. At night the prince was awakened by a mouse which had run across his face. This was not a very pleasant incident by it saved his life. A venomous snake lurking not far away could have bitten the prince. In honour of his lucky deliverance, the prince founded a chapel on this place, and in gratitude to his small rescuer he named this place Myshkin.
In the XVIII century Myshkin achieved the status of a town according to Catherine II decree, and by the end of XIX century it became one of the richest and most prosperous little towns on the Volga river.
Myshkin is like a museum
Myshkin by right could be called a folk museum. In the beginning of the last century the people of the town sponsored the construction of the grand Cathedral of The Dormition. This cathedral still remains the main architectural sight in the town.
Good traditions of the past are still avile today. A group of Myshkin enthusiasts has founded an original folk museum. Now it is the centre of the cultural revival of the town. It consists of several unique departments.
- The only Mouse Museum in the world. Mice made of various materials using diverse art techniques form a unique collection. Pieces have been gathered from different countries. In 1996, resourceful Myshkin people held The International Festival "Mouse-96".
- The only Museum of Wood Architecture in the Yaroslavl region. Many old wooden buildings collected there are almost no longer visible in natural conditions;
- The Museum of Local Lore, History and Economy, which astonishes with the abundance, variety and originality of its exhibits;
- The Museum of Russian Vodka, devoted to the Smirnovs, former Myshkin residents. You surely know this Russian liquor.
The museum exists on a voluntary basis. The life and soul of the museum is the keep man, Vladimir Alexandrovich Grechukhin, true Russian intellectual. He has attracted many Myshkin inhabitants, adults and children, to work in the museum. This is just the right place to learn about the long history of this tiny town directly from the mouth of its people.
Myshkin is a cultural centre
The pride of the town is Art Gallery. Exhibition of contemporary Russian painters are held there.
The library founded by native biblioplile and patron F. Opochinin more than 120 years ago is located in one of the more beautiful buildings of the town. Nowadays the library is a scientific and cultural centre. Annually Opochinin seminars, orthodox scientific conferences, literature festivals, and chamber theatre performances are hosted by the library. By the way, there are three folk theatres in little Myshkin!
Myshkin people are very talented and hard-working, and there are many skilled craftsmen among them. They will gladly show you their skill in iron works, pottery, wood carving, and they will make a souvenir for you to remember this beautiful town.
Every year on the second Saturday of July Myshkin celebrates The Day of The Town. The first Laughter Olympic organized in 1998 was an unforgettable and happy event for Myshkin inhabitants and guests. Energetic Myshkin people hope to make it tradition. Let's wish them good luck.
Myshkin today
Myshkin is a district centre with administrative departments, health and education institutions, and the regional newspaper editorial office.
Contemporary Myshkin has preserved the character of a cosy merchant town. It has green streets, lined with wooden houses decorated with carved casings. There are a few stone detached houses belonging to well-known and well-to-do residents.
The true wealth of Myshkin is its people. They are enthusiasts and boosters of their beloved town. They are cordial and hospitable, and happy to receive guests.