(Source: http://www.pionertur.ru)

At first glance, Kimry is not much different from any other neglected provincial town with a rich history: the entire town is now represented by the remnants of the old buildings craving for capital repairs. Shabby walls create an absurd contrast with bright signs and billboards towering above them – local traders are trying to adapt the architectural junk.

In order to understand the highlight of the town, you need to go to The Local History Museum. The staff of the museum who miss the visitors will switch on the light personally for you and lead you through the halls, talking almost about each exhibit - for free. You will learn that the main occupation of the residents of Kimry has been shoemaking for centuries. You will be shown leggings, leg warmers, elegant shoes made of leather scraps, and even one low shoe made of catfish’s leather.

Next go the Army boots: the Russian army fought both patriotic wars wearing Kimry shoes. After the museum your attitude to the town is quite different - and finally you go in search of the famous Art Nouveau. No article about Kimry goes without enthusiasm for the local architectural delights.

Apparently, local entrepreneurs had excellent taste. And here you are standing in front of the famous house of Stolyarov, referred to as “the chamber” by the local people. The porch with slender columns, a high graceful turret, large rounded and semi-circular windows, rich carved decoration - here it is, a sample of local architecture of last century.

Until recently, “the chamber” has been the symbol of the city, today it is tightly boarded up and is gradually destroying.