Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Karakol

The museum is housed in a pretty chocolate-box cottage in central Karakol, and it was the pre-revolutionary summer home of the Iliana merchant family. From 1918-1920 the building earned its socialist stripes as headquarters of the Regional Revolutionary Committee, and was subsequently transformed into a museum by order of the Soviet Council of Ministers in 1948.

The museum has several interesting displays (labeled in English, Russian and Kyrgyz). Scythian artifacts include bronze pots retrieved from Lake Issyk-Kul, displayed alongside exhibits of petroglyphs. Besides a comprehensive display of traditional Kyrgyz punched leatherwork, felt wall hangings and woven yurt decorations, the museum has a colorful collection of national costumes, and examples of finely worked silver jewelry. One hall covers the region's flora and fauna - much of which is endangered. The museum is also worth visiting to gain a Soviet perspective of history in the region. A couple of walls relating to Kyrgyz union with Russia and the subsequent revolution are now historical artifacts in themselves.
Why Should You Go There?
It’s a great place to see pictures and artifacts Karakol’s history.  There is many stuffed animals inside and great pictures Ella Millart a famous Swiss traveler.

Address: Gagarin/Jamansariev                                
Working hours:  Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Time Spent: 30 mints to 1 hour
Website: www.ianbek.kg/?p=3889
Contact: 0552 669623 / 53268