In Novosibirsk, in the center of science and education in Russia, a unique museum has opened, which is part of one of the research institutes. The exhibition of the Museum of the Sun is dedicated to the most important celestial body for humanity, after which it is named. The Museum of the Sun is a spacious and bright room equipped with audio guides. Its goal is to study and preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage related to the veneration of the Sun by ancient civilizations. Here, archaeological exhibits and their copies are presented, as well as works of decorative and applied art made of fabric, wood, metal, and stone. In the museum, one can see money and flags of countries featuring the Sun.

The museum has several halls, and walking through them allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past and understand how the cult of the Sun arose in ancient times and how it differed among various peoples.

Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, solar symbols adorned the clothing of Pharaoh Ramses II, who considered himself the son of Ra, the sun god. Tutankhamun's throne was decorated with a solar disk with palm-like rays. Papyrus scrolls depict the Mysteries of Isis, after which pharaohs received the right to act on behalf of the gods. The museum features statues of Egyptian deities associated with the Sun: Ushabti, a figurine of the goddess Isis, Bastet, the cat goddess, and magical attributes: the hekau staff and the nehek scepter. Also presented is the hymn of Pharaoh Akhenaten to the sun god Aten.

Indian Subcontinent

The Vedic period of Ancient India is shrouded in mysteries. At the core of the culture was the deification of sunlight and celestial phenomena. The Sun god Surya was revered as a healer, a celestial guardian, and an all-seeing eye. According to Indian legends, there are two races: Chandravansha, the lunar race, and Suryavansha, the solar race. Their differences can be seen in the women's garments of both races, such as saris and pechalas.

Nepal and Tibet

The traditions of the peoples of Nepal and Tibet are similar to those of India. Among the museum exhibits are singing bowls and bells, masks of the gods Surya and Asura, whose names are associated with the Sun. A special place is occupied by figures of the three Buddhas, reflecting the philosophy of the three suns. According to this philosophy, there are three periods of human development, each with its own spiritual sun, a savior from the forces of evil: Buddha Kashyapa, the Blue Sun of the Past, Buddha Gautama, the Red Sun of the Present, and Buddha Maitreya, the White Sun of the Future. The white color symbolizes life and evolution, blue represents ultraviolet solar rays, and red signifies infrared radiation. Thus, the thinkers of that time combined religion and science.

Indochina

The hall features models of the crowns of Rama, the prince of the solar dynasty, and Sita, heroes of the 'Ramayana.' The tradition of solar coronation of royal dynasties has been preserved in Indochina for centuries. Mythical characters are also presented: the firebird Apsarashti and the solar Archer I.

South and North America

In the Western Hemisphere, the Inca civilization considered themselves 'children of the Sun.' The very word 'Inca' means 'sun,' so the religion was centered around the cult of the Sun, and the ruler was considered its embodiment on earth. The exhibition features a priest of an Indian tribe in golden ornaments and a sparkling headdress, symbolizing worship of the solar deity. The Incas made masks from gold, sculptures of deities, a ritual ball of wira for communication with the gods, and adorned temples with gold.

North American Indians also had cultural elements related to the Sun: ritual dances, idols, and headdresses of warriors made from the feathers of 'solar' birds, such as eagles and hawks.

Ancient Rus

In the large hall of the museum, solar symbolism from many peoples who once lived in our country is collected. Sun signs, circles, rosettes, spirals symbolize the aspiration for light, peace, and unity. They were carved on stone and metal, embroidered on fabric, and cut from wood. The eight-pointed star, the solar stone of the ancient Slavs, is one of the most impressive symbols. It was used to track time by the sun, calculate astronomical cycles, and predict events. Nearby is a stone balbal of the goddess Umay from the ancient Turks. Here are also the armor of a Russian hero, the ritual attire of an Altai shaman, Orthodox icons, and Slavic pysankas.

The Museum of the Sun hosts educational and cultural events. Twice a year, festivals are held here, timed to the days of the solstices and equinoxes. Notably, the number of visitors to these events grows every year. For children, a traditional drawing competition on the theme of the Sun is held, and the works of the winners are sent to exhibitions in other cities of Russia. Sometimes, themed evenings with performances by musical ensembles take place in the museum. All of this contributes to the popularity of this unique cultural institution.