Kolkja vanausuliste muuseum
The story of the Russian Old Believers on the shore of Lake Peipus in Kolkja: a 130-year-old Old Believer home, an iconostasis, a Russian stove, an animated film and virtual reality.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Kolkja Old Believers’ Museum researches the story of the Russian Old Believers of the Lake Peipus shore and tells it to its visitors. The museum answers questions about why the Old Believers settled on the shores of Lake Peipus, what their customs are, and why for centuries they have grown onions in exactly this way.
The first floor of the museum takes visitors into an Old Believer home 130 years old: you can see how short the village beds of the 19th century were, what an iconostasis looks like and what a Russian stove is. The second floor is divided between old and new: tools and household objects depicting the old, an animated film summing up the story of the Old Believers, and, through virtual reality, the chance to take part in the Easter service in Kolkja church.
During the Onion Road tourist area project of Peipsiääre Parish, the old museum building was thoroughly renovated and an extension was built; during construction the museum operated in the neighbouring house. The museum reopened in December 2023, and now visitors in wheelchairs and with mobility impairments can also reach both floors.
Highlights
- 130-year-old Old Believer home on the first floor
- Animated film on the story of the Old Believers
- Easter service in Kolkja church experienced in virtual reality
- Onion Road cultural theme
- Accessible to both floors
Permanent exhibition
- Vanausuliste muuseumi ekspositsioon – On the first floor a 130-year-old Old Believer home; on the second floor tools and household objects, an animated film and a virtual reality experience.
- Founded
- 1998
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8pupils, students, teachers with an ITIC card, pensioners and people with special needs |
| Children & teens | €8Pre-school children enter free. |
| Seniors | €8 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with profound disabilities and their companions enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | €8 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €9 per personGroup ticket for adults (from 15 people) €9; for school pupils (up to 19 years old, from 10 pupils) €6. A guided one-hour tour costs €30 (in Estonian and Russian), to be booked in advance. |
| Families | €23Up to two adults and their minor children. |
The museum card is valid.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Since the 2023 renovation, visitors who have mobility impairments or use wheelchairs can also reach both floors.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €23 · Up to two adults and their minor children. |
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- Hands-on stations
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
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| Good to know | Guiding is offered in Estonian and Russian; please book in advance by email. |