Russia Novosibirsk Museum of Railway Technology – Новосибирский музей железнодорожной техники (Seyatel)

This is not so much a conventional museum as it is a large, open-air exhibition of railway history — and that’s exactly why it’s worth the trip. The Novosibirsk Museum of Railway Technology sits next to Seyatel railway station, a few stops out in the suburbs by local commuter train. Once you step onto the grounds, you’re surrounded by a superb outdoor lineup of historic rolling stock: steam, diesel and electric locomotives, work cars and service vehicles.

What makes this place memorable is the scale and the condition: a great collection of old trains, many nicely restored and kept in bright, photogenic shape. Siberian winters leave their mark on railway engineering, so expect to see several impressive snowploughs (including massive “taran”-type plows) that were built to punch through deep drifts. Another highlight is the first Soviet-era high-speed train, the ER-200 — a landmark in USSR railway technology.

Practical notes: it’s an outdoor site with minimal “indoor museum” storytelling, so think of it as a walk-through depot rather than a text-heavy gallery. Bring good shoes, allow time to wander the rows, and check seasonal hours. If you’re looking for hands-on access to a broad slice of Russian/Soviet railway hardware in one place, this open-air collection delivers.