Museum of Russian Superstitions

In 1999, M. A. Semenov, with a collection of figures carved from wood consisting of seventy characters of Russian superstitions created over three years, got in touch with the leadership of the Curonian Spit National Park with a proposal to open a museum on the territory of the national park.

After quite a long negotiation the idea was approved and in 2000, he was sent on a business trip to Moscow, where, with the support of the National Parks of Russia Fund and the Shalyapin House-Museum, an exhibition of part of the collection of the characters was held in order to collect sponsorship money for the construction of the building for the museum. The exhibition was held successfully, and funds were raised with the support of several serious companies. In 2002, the construction of the two-story log house was completed and on the 25th of May, 2002, the museum was opened.

The main activity of the museum is aimed at giving many visitors an opportunity to learn more about the elements of the ancient culture of the Russian people, with its traditions and crafts. According to Mikhail, it is on this basis that patriotism and love for the Motherland can be evoked, because the understanding of the participation in everything that happens on earth and what is needed to protect the values of the family comes from knowledge, not from compulsion.

The museum is dedicated to water, forest, domestic, and other spirits of the Russian people, characters of folk beliefs. This is the most complete version of Russian superstitions, made in the technique of wood carving. The exhibition also presents the folk plots and superstitions related to household items. Everything is directly related to the history and culture of ancient Russia.