In Zlatoust, metal art, historical collections and hands-on workshop activities come together. You can explore the history of metal engraving, get involved yourself during a guided tour, or choose from a range of museums and creative activities. The historic centre and tram also provide practical points of reference for planning.
Metal Engraving and Historical Collections
The «ARSENAL» museum displays more than 1,200 items made by the Zlatoust Arms Factory. These include decorated bladed weapons, cutlery, tableware and personal items, as well as steel pictures depicting the history of Zlatoust metal engraving. An interactive tour involves more than just looking: participants draw in the stipple style and on a real engraving, take a dagger apart and put it back together. They also learn how scabbards for bladed weapons are made. In this way, the museum visit combines finished works with insights into individual stages of the process.
The Zlatoust Local History Museum was founded in 1825. Its collection includes decorated 19th-century bladed weapons made by Zlatoust arms masters. Among them is I. N. Bushuev’s «Drevneye vooruzheniye», a suit of armour made for Tsarevich Alexander Nikolayevich. The year 1825 marks the museum’s founding; the weapons are examples from the later 19th century.
Workshops and Your Own Creations
At «AiRovka», visitors can see the entire process of making utility knives. They can try their hand at smithing, take part in individual master classes and learn more about Damascus steel. Works by artists and craftspeople, along with the record-breaking «Svyatogor» sword, round out the topics covered there. The production process, hands-on activities and finished works offer different ways to engage with metal and craftsmanship. Check current availability of activities with the operator in advance.
The «Masterskaya skulptora Vladimira Zharikova» displays sculptures, reliefs, repoussé works and wood carvings by the sculptor. Visitors can make a copy of the Zlatoust city emblem, design a vase based on the sculptor’s forms or create their own work from clay. This brings exhibited works and creative activities together: you can focus on the collection or choose one of the practical activities described.
Mountain Park, Minerals and Views
In Gornyy park im. P. P. Bazhova, the «Sozvezdiye samotsvetov» museum displays a mineral collection considered one of the best in the Urals. The same park features 36 sculptural ensembles, including «Serebryanoye kopyttse», «Koshka-Murenka», «Ognevushka-Poskakushka», «Velikiy Poloz», «Danila – master» and «Khozyayka Mednoy gory». The «Otkrytaya kniga» fountain symbolises the gateway to the world of Bazhov’s tales. The minerals, sculptures and symbolic park feature each offer their own distinctive focus.
From the «Bashnya – Kolokolnya s chasovney svyatitelya Ioanna Zlatousta» cultural complex, you can enjoy views of Zlatoust and its surroundings from a height of 36.5 metres. The bell tower includes a guided tour with a climb to the top and a visit to the exhibition room for creative works. The cultural complex also offers workshops in pottery, birch-bark crafts, painting textile toys, felting and block printing. As visitor access may vary, check current visiting options and workshop dates in advance.
Historic Centre and Routes Around the City
A guided walking tour of the historic centre offers views of an architectural ensemble that took shape by the mid-19th century. The tour is organised on request in advance, so contact the organisers ahead of time if you would like to include it in your plans.
The tram line can also help you find your way around the city: it crosses the Verkhnezavodskaya plotina, and tram number 3 runs to the city centre. Check current service before travelling.
Discover More Destinations
Chebarkul, Miasskiy, Magnitogorsk, Cheremshanka, Miass, Samarka, Mezhevoy, Muslyumovo
For the regional travel overview: Chelyabinsk Oblast.
