Karelian state Museum of local lore is situated in the centre of Petrozavodsk, in buildings that previously were administrative, they were located at different times: the residence of the Governor, provincial government offices, the Republican organs of Soviet power. This historic ensemble of the Round square (former Lenin square) built in the late 18th century and is an architectural monument of Federal importance, as this is the first example of town planning architecture in Karelia.

Museum of local lore was founded in 1871 and museums in Northwest Russia is one of the oldest. The Museum contains more than 200 thousand exhibits, which give information about the natural world, archaeological findings, the history of the region. The exhibition reveal the traditions and culture of peoples of the North. The Museum has various departments: tourism, research and exposition, information, archaeological, natural heritage, Department of funds, restoration and conservation, research library, the archive, the Museum and the security.

Rich and diverse Museum. This "Hall of Noble Assembly, representing the interior of the house of the 19th century, and "just In case your custom" - narrating the traditions, way of life of the peoples of the North. "On the threshold of the ancient universe" will tell You about the monuments of rock art – this exhibition is a study of primitive culture.

Exhibition devoted to the nature of Karelia is located in the building, which is a rare example of an urban estate in the North. This exhibition will give an idea about rocks and minerals, will reveal the secrets of their formations, especially of flora and fauna of the Karelian region.

Archaeological exhibition to inform visitors about the unique artifacts – granite slabs with rock carvings, called petroglyphs, you'll see ancient tools, the cult of amulets from the burial at deer island, the largest archaeological monument of the stone age in Northern Europe.

If You want to know about the history of the Karelian region, located in the Medieval era, to learn how to create Peter the Great and Empress Catherine II factory industry, the historical exposition of the Museum is sure this will help.

In addition to major projects, the Museum hosts exhibitions on the history of the Karelian region and culture of the peoples (Veps, Karelians, Russians) inhabiting it.

Also the monument to Governor's Park is a specimen of landscape architecture. It is located near the Museum in the center of it is a monument to Derzhavin G. R. – the first Olonets Governor. In the Park there is exposure, which is an artillery gun made in Alexandrovsky factory.

The Museum collection is based on the true monuments of culture – the exhibits of the Museum funds. This Fund Archaeology, including more than 20 thousand items. The excavations of the largest burial ground on reindeer island of the Mesolithic, with Peri Nose on the Onega lake, with the island's German Body, Vyatskaya mounds. In the "Scientific" Foundation – more than 12500 pieces.

Fund "Fabric" contains 6500 items - ethnographic costumes 18 20 centuries of military and civilian clothing, innovative features, pokoiniki. More than 800 different designs of embroidery. Fund "Visual sources" - is a collection of works of the Karelian masters. Is paintings, drawings, sculpture. The Foundation ' Porcelain. Ceramics over 1300 items - porcelain, ceramics, glass objects. Porcelain collection of Western European and Russian way of life.

In the "Tree" contains 6,000 exhibits. Spinning wheels, musical instruments of the peoples of Karelia, Karelian Kantele 19th century. Fund "Metal" contains 5500 items. Copper casting, art casting, military products Alexandrovsky factory, and more.

There's Fund "Written sources" – 50 thousand items, publications including the period from the 16th century to our time. Fund "Photographs" contains rare photographs 19th-20th century, the materials of folklore expeditions, photographic materials for construction in 1915 of the Murmansk railroad, 1931 white sea-Baltic canal

The Museum hosts theatrical programs, interactive reconstruction, during which you can feel like a participant in historical events.