The Vyatka Regional Studies Museum occupies the former Bishop's Palace, a handsome 18th-century complex of pale classical buildings above the river. It is one of the most comprehensive provincial museums in Russia, covering the region's natural history, archaeological past, and folk art traditions in depth.
The highlight for most visitors is the Dymkovo folk art collection. The museum holds an exceptional range of the brightly painted clay figurines — the stylized horses, ladies, and farm animals that have been made in the Dymkovo district across the river for centuries. These toys are one of Russia's most distinctive craft traditions, and the museum provides the historical context that a simple market purchase cannot. Allow two hours for the full museum; the natural history halls on the upper floor are also worth a look.