Treasury of the Sakha Republic

The Treasury of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) (Сокровищница Республики Саха (Якутия)) is a permanent exhibition of precious metals, gemstones and jewelry in Yakutsk, the republic's capital on the Lena River. It displays part of the State Fund of Precious Metals and Gemstones of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The exhibition hall stands in the historic center of the city, at 12 Kirova Street, next to the reconstructed tower of the Yakutsk ostrog (fort).

History

The State Treasury of Valuables of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) was established on 3 September 1996, founded by the republic's president Mikhail Nikolaev. Since then the assembled collection of valuables has been shown at the "Treasury of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)" exhibition, open to visitors.

According to a Yakut legend, three powerful udagankas (shamanesses) from the Upper, Middle and Lower worlds, after three years of unceasing rituals, created a girl of incredible beauty named Kytyaasta Taas Kuo, and with her a stone that sparkles with countless colors, like the northern lights. This legend about a glowing stone is often recalled alongside the exhibition of Yakutia's gems.

What to see

The exhibition holds more than a thousand items. Among them are nuggets of gold, platinum and silver, large natural diamonds, and gemstones of both jewelry and technical grade. A separate section is devoted to original jewelry works by Yakut craftsmen — jewelers, gem cutters and carvers working with Yakutian diamonds, mammoth tusk and ornamental stone. One of the best-known pieces is "Princess Diana," made of rock crystal, diamonds, dianite and silver.

Getting there

The Treasury is located in Yakutsk, at 12 Kirova Street. The entrance to the building is the central entrance on the first floor; the exhibition itself is on the third floor.

Good to know

The ticket office and exhibition are open on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 to 17:00, with a break from 13:00 to 14:00. Guided tours run on a schedule several times an hour — from 10:00 to 16:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and from 10:00 to 17:00 on the other weekdays. Information phone: (4112) 42-52-90.