An exhibition dedicated to the Palace of Pioneers has opened at the Irkutsk History Museum, and because of the large amount of material it was divided into two parts. The display tells the history of the institution and its life today. 3860 children study here, 75 clubs and 270 study groups operate in ten fields.

As reported by the Irkutsk City History Museum, this exhibition has been assembled from a large amount of material, so it had to be divided into two parts. The first can be viewed until April 15, and after that the second part of the exhibition will appear at the City History Museum.
Old newspapers wrote: “A prominent place in the education of children is occupied by the Palace of Pioneers. Here they master turning and carpentry, study radio engineering and photography, make various kinds of equipment and models, take part in sports, and participate in choral, drama, music, painting, artistic embroidery, and other clubs. In summer, the Palace organizes excursions, trips for students to Lake Baikal and the outskirts of the city, and sports competitions. The knowledge and skills gained at the Palace of Pioneers broaden children’s horizons, help them study better, and contribute to the proper choice of profession.” Perhaps even today this remains its main historical value.
Today, 3,860 children from all territorial districts of Irkutsk attend the Palace, in 75 children’s associations and 270 study groups. Work with the children is carried out in ten areas: artistic and aesthetic, tourism and local history, military-patriotic, natural science, ecological and biological, scientific and technical, physical education and sports, social and pedagogical, cultural studies, and sports and technical.
In the past academic year, 99 events were held at the Palace, and 1,122 club members took part in competitions and festivals of various levels; of them, 709 children became winners and 167 were prizewinners. Among the distinguished club members were poet Mark Sergeev, Director of the Irkutsk City History Museum Irina Ternovaya, Director of the Irkutsk Regional Puppet Theater “Aistenok” Andrey Kalinichenko, and many others.
As a reminder, on November 23, 2012, a festive concert launched the anniversary year. Since then, many events (campaigns, rallies, contests, exhibitions, concerts) dedicated to this significant date have been held. On April 15, 2013, the anniversary concert “The Palace Gathers Friends” will take place at the A. Vampilov Youth Theater.

Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk City Administration