Where to go on the weekend in Irkutsk and where you can only with a QR code

Irkutsk: features of tourism and recreation. Useful information for travelers about Irkutsk.

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One of the main cities of Eastern Siberia, many tourists associate Irkutsk with Lake Baikal. Fair enough, because the great lake, or more precisely, the village of Listvyanka, is only 70 km away. Of course, during a visit to Irkutsk you should definitely go to Lake Baikal. But he himself is completely self-sufficient. This is a prosperous city with theaters, parks, large shopping centers and other attributes corresponding to the status of a regional center. At the same time, entire blocks of wooden and stone buildings and beautiful churches in the Siberian Baroque style have been preserved here.

To watch a movie

Cinemas operate with no more than 50% occupancy.
You don't need a QR code to watch the movie. But if you go to cinema halls with a separate entrance (Barguzin, Zvezdny, Don Othello, Khudozhestvenny, House of Cinema), then problems may arise with cinemas in shopping centers. Superheroes of the Marvel universe are back in the movies! Buy tickets for the film “The Eternals” online at IRK.ru Poster.

So, you can get to Kinomax, which is located in the SILVERmall shopping center, only by passing through the shopping complex. And at the entrance you will definitely be asked to present a QR code or a certificate stating that you have had coronavirus. You must have an identification document with you.

The same thing with “KinoKvartal” in the “Modny Kvartal” shopping center, “KinoMall” in the “YarkoMall” shopping center and “Kino Jam” in the “Jem Mall” shopping center. This rule does not apply to visitors under 18 years of age.

For spectators of the New Cinema cinema, a separate entrance has been organized in the Novy shopping center - it is located to the right of the entrance to the center. By the way, the cinema announced on its Instagram that it provides a discount on tickets to those who have a QR code. Details can be found at the box office or by phone: (3952) 500-558.

You can view the current schedule of Irkutsk cinemas and buy tickets online in the IRK.ru Poster.

Where to go for free

At the intersection of Lenin and Sukhbaatar streets, surrounded by government buildings, there is a park named after. Kirov is one of the most popular walking places for city residents. In the warm season, flower beds bloom here and a fountain operates. And in winter, everything sparkles with lights - it is in this place that the main Christmas tree of Irkutsk is installed and an ice town with slides and sculptures is erected.

Fountain in the park named after. Kirov is the first in Irkutsk. It was built in St. Petersburg and brought to Siberia in 1959 specifically for the planned visit of US President Dwight Eisenhower. And although the arrival of the American guest ultimately did not take place, the fountain remained in its place.

Also on the territory of the square there is a miniature (on a scale of 1:500) panorama of Irkutsk from 1900. On the bronze patch are all the most recognizable buildings of the city - the Cathedral of the Epiphany, the Roman Catholic Church, the Iverskaya Chapel, the Annunciation Church, the Moscow Gate... Not far from the mini- Irkutsk - the picturesque chapel of Our Lady of Kazan.

A relatively new attraction for the city is the pedestrian cable-stayed bridge (October Revolution Street, 1). Thanks to its stylish design and location in the city center, it has confidently entered the Instagram accounts of residents and guests of Irkutsk. The bridge is very convenient, without steps, so cyclists, mothers with strollers and people with disabilities like to walk along it. By the way, a walk with “spice” - during a strong wind the bridge shakes quite a bit, but this does not affect its safety in any way. The maximum height of the structure is 21 m, length - 45 m, track width - 4 m.

Square named after Kirov

Visit the performance

Cultural institutions are open, but, like cinemas, they operate with the occupancy rate of no more than 50%. Tickets sell out quickly. If you decide to go to the theater tomorrow, you are unlikely to get a ticket, but you can try.

On weekends, the Stork puppet theater invites spectators aged 1-6 years to the Small Stage. There, on November 2, 3, 6 and 7, a new performance by the Buka Theater will be staged. Mischievous Bunny" (0+).

Scene from the play “Buka. Bad Bunny." Photo from the site aistenok-irkutsk.ru

Irkutsk Academic Theater N.P. Okhlopkova works as before, but due to the increase in the incidence of coronavirus, he has made changes to the repertoire. Thus, the play “The Player” (16+), scheduled for November 2, was replaced by the play “The Lion in Winter” (16+). The play “Woe from Wit.,:...!-?” (16+), scheduled for November 3, has been replaced by the play “Love and Doves” (16+). Performance "Brothers Ch." (16+) on November 4 was replaced by the play “Bench” (16+), and the play “Farewell to Matera” (16+) on November 5 - by the play “Wolves and Sheep” (12+).

Irkutsk Musical Theater N.M. Zagursky also works without changes, according to the poster. The theater reminds that during the performance it is necessary to wear a mask and maintain social distance. At the entrance, your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to treat your hands with antiseptic.

There are minor changes in the repertoire of the Irkutsk Theater for Young Spectators A. Vampilov. The play “I was there too, a passerby...” (12+) was postponed from November 5th to November 10th for technical reasons.

You can view the schedule of upcoming performances in Irkutsk theaters in the IRK.ru Poster.

Game centers of Irkutsk and educational leisure

While playing, children master certain skills, develop not only physical abilities, but also erudition, creativity, and imagination, which is what many children's entertainment of various formats is directly or indirectly focused on.

Children's Park "Lyubogorod"

Address: Sovetskaya st., 58/1, 2nd floor.

“Lyubogorod” is a park of professions in which children can try on the roles of adults and choose a profession that suits them. Children often play as salesmen, doctors, teachers, police officers, etc.

In “Lyubogorod” they have the opportunity to feel like adults and make their own decisions and build lines of behavior depending on the chosen game model.

The city of professions is designed for children from 4 to 14 years old, but even for very little ones there is a soft play area with toys and slides. Visitors under 7 years of age participate in gaming locations only when accompanied and supervised by adults.

Entertainment and leisure children's

Address: st. Sergeeva, 3.

Located in the Jam Mall shopping center. More than 20 professions are offered for children to study in. A child can visit one or more rooms:

a hospital where he will play the role of a doctor;
Ministry of Emergency Situations, here he can work as a rescuer;
post office, hairdresser, beauty salon, radio and recording studio,
become a school teacher and even serve in the army.

While playing on the territory of this landmark of Irkutsk, children learn the value of work and the characteristics of different professions from the adult world.

Quest-

Address: st. Yadrintseva, 1/10, 1st floor.

Quests are an adventure game format that has long gained popularity. Many companies in this profile have programs for children in their arsenal, including the Irkutsk quest.

The choice of children's stories here is quite extensive: children can become spies in space, find themselves in a dragon's cave, plunge into the mystical atmosphere of the Secret Mirror quest program, or undergo training at the Superheroes training base.

Young history buffs will love the quest show “Secrets of Ancient Egypt.” As a rule, the center’s children’s programs are designed for participants aged 6 or 8 years.

"Jungle Territory"

Address: st. Sergeeva, 3B, 2nd floor.

You can move in time and space without leaving Irkutsk. The city is home to the “Jungle Territory”, where quests are held specifically for children. The children are invited to take part in a game with an exciting plot.

The quest show "Dinopolis" is a fascinating adventure in a mysterious forest and a team competition, based on the idea of the famous presenter S. Suponev and his popular children's program of the 90s "Call of the Jungle". The name of the quest show hints that it will not be possible without dinosaurs, and this topic traditionally captivates children.

Another game program in “Jungle Territories” is called “The Last Hero” and uses the principles and motives of the popular reality show about survival, which, through a string of interpretations, goes back to the famous books of D. Defoe and W. Golding.

Children's leisure

Address: 1st Moskovskaya st., 1A; Bratskaya st., 2/1, 2nd floor.

“Kapitoshka” has large playrooms with entertainment for small and older children and a banquet hall for children’s parties with a candy bar and photo zone. The leisure center is located at two addresses: on the street. Moskovskaya and st. Bratskaya.

In the playrooms, little ones can enjoy soft slides, a ball pit, a water trampoline, and a huge selection of toys; older children can enjoy attractions, including, for example, a seething waterfall, and educational games.

In the center on the street. Moscow - 460 sq. m of play space, on the street. Bratskaya - 260 sq. m. There will definitely be enough space for everyone, and it won’t be boring.

Children's playroom "Lego Quarter"

Address: Deputatskaya st., 84/1, 2nd floor.

The Lego Quarter on Deputatskaya Street, by its very name, hints that the concept of the playroom is built around the most popular children's construction set in the world.

In addition to a variety of Lego sets, of which there are more than 100, the playroom also offers other entertainment, such as a children's labyrinth with slides and a dry pool.

In the "Lego Quarter" animators work with children, children's programs and parties are held. This is a place where you can give free rein to your imagination and fantasy, as well as have plenty of frolic and play.

Game rooms "Stepashka"

Address: Verkhnyaya embankment, 167/12.

A network of playrooms is named after the bunny from Good Night, Kids. It includes 2 objects - on Marshal Zhukov Avenue and on Upper Embankment.

One of the main profiles of Stepashka is organizing children's parties and events; animators work here who work and play with children.

In the game room you can have a good time, crawl in the maze, play toys or video games on the console.

Please see: Sights of the Irkutsk region

Go to a concert

Touring activities in the Irkutsk region are prohibited. Concerts of Diana Arbenina, Guf and other performers scheduled for early November have been postponed.

The Irkutsk Regional Philharmonic is working. But the next concert will take place only next week - November 9.

The only place you can listen to live music on weekends is in bars. So, on November 5, guitarist Vitaly Budyak (12+) will perform at the Edison Bar with the program “Secrets of the Small Ocean”. In general, performances will take place at the Edison Bar almost every evening - you can follow the announcements on the bar’s social networks.

Evening performances by local performers are planned at the Jackson Pub, Rock Bar, Herats Pub chain, Johnny Rockets Bar and other establishments. There is a restriction in place: bars must close to customers promptly at 11:00 p.m. Visitors are asked to wear masks and social distance.

Nature and fauna of Irkutsk

Animals are children’s friends, places where you can see them and learn more about our little brothers are one of the most obvious options where you can go with your child.

Irkutsk Zoo

Address: st. Koltsova, 93.

For a long time, Irkutsk did not have a full-fledged zoo where children could get acquainted with animals. The head of the zoo area of the Botanical Garden, Andrei Sedykh, drew attention to this in 2011.

He got excited about the idea of creating such an institution. By April 2013, on the basis of the university's living corner, the Irkutsk children's zoo was opened, located on the territory of the Botanical Garden, in Kayskaya Grove, which is called the “lungs of the city.”

Since 2021, with the growth of the exhibition and the expansion of its format, the children's zoo has been renamed the Irkutsk Zoo. Now more than 50 species of living creatures live there - mammals, birds and reptiles.

Siberian Zoo

Address: ave. Marshala Zhukova, 36/4.

The private zoo is located in two locations - in Irkutsk itself and in the village of Listvyanka at the source of the Angara River. Initially, the concept of the zoo was to present the diversity of the fauna of Siberia and domestic animals, but gradually the collection has grown, and now the zoo also houses animals not typical for Siberia - macaques, gibbons, meerkats, loris, etc.

Animals typical of the Siberian region can also be seen here. Listvyanka is home to bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes and other inhabitants of taiga forests. Children under 3 years old are entitled to free admission.

Irkutsk nerpinarium

Address: 2nd Zheleznodorozhnaya st., 66.

Performances involving aquatic animals are popular among children. The first thing that comes to mind is dolphins. Dolphinariums are especially popular in southern, mainly resort coastal cities.

In Irkutsk, which is located near Lake Baikal, there is a similar institution with local specifics - a nerpinarium, where the Baikal seal gives a performance. It has been working since 2004. Meeting the cute animal and the 45-minute show with its participation will definitely be remembered by children for a long time.

Currently, performances are held in two places, at the legal address on 2nd Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, as well as in the village of Listvyanka. The programs are almost identical, with minor differences.

House of nature

Address: Baikalskaya st., 54.

The private museum “House of Nature” has been operating since 2021 as a public organization. It was created by enthusiasts from the Irkutsk Zoo Gallery Animal Assistance Center. Essentially, this is a zoo where animals, birds live, and aquariums with fish.

There are raccoons, squirrels, parrots, lizards and other animals, including domestic cats and dogs beloved by many children, which, unfortunately, not everyone can keep at home; here you can interact with them. Getting to know animals in the “House of Nature” is complemented by an exhibition on zoological topics.

Maybe to a museum?

Long weekends are conducive to a leisurely, measured rest. You can, for example, plan a trip to a museum. You will not need a QR code to visit, but pre-registration is required.

On November 4, National Unity Day, the all-Russian event “Night of Arts” (0+) will be held. Irkutsk museums will join it, but only in an online format. The Art Museum has prepared a program that includes several new films, videos and master classes. You can watch it on the institution’s Youtube channel.

On November 4 at 21:00 the “Night of Arts” event will be held on the Victor Bronstein Gallery’s social media accounts. Everyone will be able to listen to the audio tour and take part in the quiz.

On November 6, the Valentin Rasputin Museum invites children 7-11 years old to a creative workshop “How to create your own fairy tale?” (6+). During the lesson you will read “Baikal Lake Fairy Tales” and come up with your own fascinating story.

On November 6, the Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore invites you to a two-hour tour of the memorable and historical places of Irkutsk (0+). The number of participants is limited.

In the footsteps of the Decembrists

A significant place for Irkutsk residents is located near the embankment, near the confluence of the Ushakovka River into the Angara. We are talking about the Znamensky Convent, founded in 1689. True, the first buildings were made of wood, so at the beginning of the 18th century the rather dilapidated monastery was rebuilt from a more durable material, stone. The Decembrist Grigory Shelikhov and Princess Trubetskoy and their children rest in the necropolis located on the territory of the monastery. And at the Holy Gates there is a monument to Admiral Alexander Kolchak, who was arrested and executed in Irkutsk.

In general, there are many “Decembrist” addresses in the city - Irkutsk was a place of exile for the rebels. Their houses and household items became an excellent basis for the Museum of the Decembrists. It consists of two estates: Sergei Trubetskoy (64 Dzerzhinsky St.) and Sergei Volkonsky (10 Volkonsky Lane). The Museum of the Decembrists presents original items and interior items of the exiled noble families of the Trubetskoys, Volkonskys, Muravyovs, and Yushnevskys. Visitors will see the only working pyramidal piano in the world, Maria Volkonskaya, and a luxurious bead collection - the work of the prince's wives.

Due to the harsh climate, life in Irkutsk until the 20th century was very difficult. But the exiled Decembrists did not lose heart and made a significant contribution to the development of Irkutsk as the cultural center of Siberia. They taught children to read and write and helped townspeople and peasants.

Irkutsk Museum of Decembrists

Or a zoo

Photo from the IRK.ru archive
From November 2 to November 7, the Irkutsk Zoo invites schoolchildren to programs in honor of the holidays. Every day from 14:00 to 16:00 children can enjoy games, master classes, quizzes and demonstration feedings.

The Irkutsk Zoo Gallery is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Upon entry you will be asked to wear a mask. All events, including excursions and demonstration feedings, have been cancelled, and group applications will not be accepted.

Where to relax with children in Irkutsk? Kayaking and feeding predators

Summer, vacation! It's time to organize family outings. But what to do if children are bored at banal barbecues by the river, and unbridled games on playgrounds are not suitable for parents? The IrCity portal has collected the best places to stay in Irkutsk and its surroundings, where all family members will enjoy it.

Horse Island

The first place that comes to mind when you hear the words “family vacation” is Konny Island. A popular recreation area in both winter and summer, which is located in the city center.

You can get there by public transport, getting off at the “Trud”, “Philharmonic”, “Academic Bridge” stops, or by car. There are parking lots near the children's railway - one for 100 spaces and two for 50. If suddenly there is no parking space there, you can always park on Gagarin or Karl Marx Boulevard near Irkutsk State University.

If you enter from the side of the monument to Alexander III, the first entertainment on your way will be the Yunost rope park. You can spend 1.5 hours of fun here, but you won’t be able to leave your child and walk around the island yourself. Children under 14 years of age are allowed only with adults, children under 18 - only with written parental consent.