IZHORA MUSEUM
Izhora Crafts and Language Centre

Izhora Museum Collection

Traditional izhora whistle toy
The Izhora are the indigenous Finno-Ugric people of the Leningrad Region, who have been living on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland since ancient times. You can learn about the culture and traditions of the Izhora people in the Izhora Museum in the village of Vistino, Kingisepp District, Leningrad Region.

The Izhora Museum collection contains over a thousand of items of the Izhora cultural heritage. Most of the collection is dedicated to the main occupations of the Izhora people - fishing and agriculture. An important part of the museum's collection is made up of samples of pottery, which was developed in the village of Bolshoye Stremleniye.
A rich photo archive gives a clear and complete picture of the traditional aspects of life in Izhora villages in the XX century.

The jewels of the museum's collection are festive and everyday Izhora dresses of the 20th century.
The Izhora Museum is actively engaged in practical work aimed at preserving the Izhora people’s culture. Educational programmes for children and adults include:
Educational Programmes
Izhora language Linguistics Club

Teaching playing kantele, the traditional Izhora musical instrument

Traditional Yamburg District pottery revitalization in «Soyka» Workshop

Traditonal Izhora loom weaving and ornamental mittens knitting
Izhora Crafts and Language Centre

In 2019 Nord Stream 2 AG supported the construction of the Izhora Crafts and Language Centre.
The Izhora Craft and Language Centre has a total surface area of 153 m2 and includes a pottery workshop, an exhibition hall, and a utility area. The centre offers free pottery classes for children and adults, holds exhibitions and workshops with craftsmen and scientists. Its mission is to preserve the unique language and cultural heritage of the Izhora people and pass them on to future generations.


Contacts

+7 911 255 19 98
Е-mail: vistinodk@mail.ru
Address: Centralnaya st., 80, Ruchiy village, Kingisepp district, Leningrad region, Russia

WED-SUN: 10:00 - 18:00


The Building of the Izhora Crafts and Language Centre
The Izhora Museum expresses gratitude to Nord Stream 2 AG, the operator of the Nord Stream 2 offshore gas pipeline, which begins in the Kingisepp District, for its support and contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Izhora indigenous people. Since 2018, as part of its Environmental and Community Initiatives Programme, Nord Stream 2 has supported the Izhora Museum in a number of significant cultural and educational projects that create additional opportunities for learning the Izhora language and traditions. The company built the Izhora Crafts and Language Center, supported the creation of the museum’s website, the publication of a modern children's book in the Izhora language and a Russian-Izhora phrasebook, creation of a digital collection of Izhora folk songs and melodies and a video recording of an Izhora puppet show, helped in the purchasing of 10 kanteles and holding the annual Izhora Festival.