Novosibirsk Culture Lab
Learn Russian, Live Novosibirsk!
SRAS cultural programs are designed to give you a wide introduction to your city and to Russia as a whole. These structured experiences are laid-back, educational, and an opportunity for students to get to know each other
In our experience, however, most students prefer to save on the costs of organized activities and to have mostly free time – to study, to peruse independent interests, and to spend time with the friends they make from around the world while in Russia.
To strike a balance between these needs and wants, we offer several core activities, attendance to which is required and the cost of which is included in most programs (see the individual program pages for details). We also offer several optional experiences which are available at additional cost.
1. Included Events
Novosibirsk Walking Tour
The tour covers the historical parts of Novosibirsk and its main landmarks. Sites of interest include the oldest wooden buildings in the city; Lenin Square near the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater, one of the most beautiful and famous buildings of the city; the Voznesensky Cathedral; the railway station, designed to resemble a locomotive; and the Monument of Glory dedicated to the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945). The tour also includes the first stone building in Novosibirsk – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Interesting facts about cultural monuments, architectural history and notable citizens of Novosibirsk will be discussed during the tour. Wear good walking shoes!
Novosibirsk Museum of Local History
Novosibirsk Regional Museum of Local History is one of the most important museums in Siberia. Currently its collection contains more than 170,000 artifacts. The exhibits cover the history of Novosibirsk Region from the Paleolithic Period to the modern era. The collection offers a distinctive look at the colonization of Siberia, the foundation and development of Novosibirsk at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Every month the museum presents temporary exhibitions showing rare pieces from other museums and galleries from all over Siberia, including the works of modern Siberian artists. The materials of anthropological expeditions since 1920 contain native clothes and shaman costumes, hunting equipment and weapons, utensils and decorations, photos and documents concerning the everyday life of the indigenous peoples.
Cultural Performance
Each semester, students are treated to one cultural performance at either the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, or the Novosibirsk State Philharmonic. The choice will depend on student requests, ticket availability, performance scheduals, and other considerations.
The State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is the premier theater not only in Novosibirsk but in the whole of Siberia. The theater has a big repertoire (300 premières during 60 years) and has toured in 25 countries. Many performers are winners of prestigious Russian and foreign competitions. Due to its sheer size and scale, the theater has earned itself the nickname the 'Siberian Coliseum'. The interior of the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater features some interesting reproductions of Greek statues, which adorn its upper gallery.
The Novosibirsk State Philharmonic, founded in 1937, is one of the biggest concert organizations of Siberia and the Far East. No other Russian concert organization is able to complete with the Philharmonic’s unique breadth of music genres. The repertoire of the eighteen professional artistic groups covers a broad spectrum of the world’s musical heritage: early period, spiritual, contemporary, classic, jazz, folk, contemporary, pop, musical-literary compositions and opera performances.
Cultural Event
The cultural event is usually a festival or holiday, such as a honey festival, Maslenitsa, or City Day – in which students are escorted to the event to participate in the festivities, try the local food, and celebrate Russian-style! For instance, if you are in Novosibirsk on the last Sunday of June, you can participate in the celebration of Novosibirsk's birthday. Musical and dancing groups, including the Novosibirsk State Philharmonic, typically perform on several stages set up across city. There are also interactive shows, raffles, exhibitions of paintings, vehicles and machinery, as well as handicrafts for sale!
Zoo
The Novosibirsk zoo is unique in being the only zoo in the world which is situated in a natural pine forest. The zoo is the oldest and the largest zoo east of the Urals by area, 53 hectares, and by the number of animals. There are 662 species of animals from 6 continents and about 10,000 animals in total. 180 species inhabitant at the zoo are rare or endangered and listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The zoo is home to brown bears, polar bears, black bears, white tigers, Caucasian leopards, ligers, cheetahs, wolves, camels, deer, marals, monkeys, eagles, Japanese cranes, griffons and many other animals and birds.
2. Optional Events
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SRAS student Ian McKay on a
rock-climbing expedition he
organized himself with the help
of local friends. What will you do
while abroad? |
Siberian Birch Bark
The museum is a unique collection of decorative and applied art and works of birch bark art (pictures, icons, utensils, figurines of people and animals) made by modern Siberian artists and craftsmen. Works in traditional Russian and Siberian style with Siberian symbols are available for purchase.
The Historical and Architectural Open Air Museum
The museum was founded by Academian Alexey Okladnikov with the aim of preserving unique monuments of archeology and architecture. The Savior Zashiverskaya Church on the Indigirka River in Yakutia formed the basis of the Museum and is today the main exhibit. In addition, the museum contains the 18th century Kazym fortified settlement of the Lower Ob, a 19th century manor house from East Siberia as well as ancient stone sculptures and rock carvings.
Boat Trip
In summer students, their teachers, and local Russian students are invited on an informal boat trip on the Ob Sea – the reservoir feeding the hydroelectric station. The trip is a picturesque setting for informal communication between teachers and students.
Altai Mountains
Akademgorodok’s equestrian club is located in a beautiful forest and every summer an outing to the club is organized. Experienced riders are able to make solo rides through the forest and for those less experienced there are instructors available to assist. For adventurous spirits, get out and explore the surrounding Altai mountains! Be sure to go with a group, preferably with one or two locals familiar with the area. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors of Novosibirsk – whether on foot, bike, or connected to a rope!
Other Events
Our program coordinator will keep an eye on events and let you know of other unique tours, cultural events and festivities taking place in Novosibirsk.
Find Out More!
Student's Guide to Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk State University
Internships in Russia
Heath and Safety in Russia
The SRAS Newsletter
Library: What to Know
More Eurasian Regions/Cities
Journal for Students
More Free Resources!
Questions or comments?
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