The Museum of Nature in Zhytomyr is a part of the Zhytomyr Regional Museum of Local Lore with a history spanning over a century and a half. The museum itself was founded in October 1865 at the public library, and the basis of its natural history collection was the collection of Volyn Governor Mykhailo Chertkov — the first 48 mineral and rock specimens. Later, the collection was replenished thanks to scientists, notably geologist Gotfrid Ossovsky, and turned into a serious natural history collection.
History of the Museum
Throughout its history, the museum has changed its location multiple times. For a long time — since the Soviet period — it operated in the building of the Holy Cross Exaltation Church. After the church was handed over to the religious community in 2011, the museum was effectively left without a permanent premises.
In 2012, construction of a new building specifically for the Museum of Nature began on Castle Hill, but already in 2013, work was stopped, and the project was "frozen" for a long time. Construction was resumed in 2018, although it has not been fully completed.
In parallel, in 2019–2021, the neighboring magistrate building was reconstructed: on its ground floor, a natural history hall was planned with mineralogical, ornithological, and mammal collections, and separately — a paleontological hall with a mammoth.
Because of this, the museum operates in a complex format: part of the collection is exhibited, while a significant portion of the funds is kept in storage and is inaccessible to visitors.
Where the Museum Is Now
The exhibition of the Museum of Nature is located in the building of the Zhytomyr Regional Museum of Local Lore at 1 Zamkovyi Square. There is currently no separate full-fledged building.
What Can Be Seen
Even in a partial format, the museum retains a strong exhibition:
- a large collection of minerals and gemstones;
- one of the largest collections of stuffed birds in Ukraine;
- stuffed Polissia animals — hare, roe deer, European bison.
In the funds, but not always in open access:
- a mammoth skeleton that needs restoration;
- bones of a woolly rhinoceros;
- a cave bear skeleton;
- antlers of a giant deer.
Opening Hours
Since the exhibition operates as part of the Museum of Local Lore, the schedule matches its timetable: usually from Tuesday to Sunday during the day, Monday is a day off, and the last Thursday of the month is a sanitary day. Before visiting, it is better to check the schedule on the museum's pages — changes are possible due to events or air raid alerts.
How to Get There
From the railway station — by trolleybus No. 3 or minibus No. 58 to Peremohy Square. Then — a few minutes' walk to Zamkovyi Square.
What Is Nearby
The museum stands on Castle Hill — in the historical heart of Zhytomyr, next to the cathedral church, the magistrate, and the observation deck over the Kamianka River.
What You Should Know
- the museum does not operate in full format;
- some exhibits are unavailable;
- a separate building is still not finished.
The Museum of Nature in Zhytomyr is an example of a strong scientific collection that does not yet have ideal conditions for a full exhibition. But even in this form, it provides an idea of the region's natural wealth and remains an important part of the city's cultural life.
