“Tomskaya pisanitsa” museum-reserve: returning from a “museum cultural” to a “repository of cultural heritage objects”

The article analyzes the development of the scientific concept of the “Tomskaya Pisanitsa” Museum-Reserve, which initiated the creation of the place of interest “Tom Rock Art”. The museum was created as a research and educational centre, however, later under the influence of the economic situation it chose the path of a “cultural museum” and was developing as an ethnic park. Modern global and local challenges, the need to conserve the Tom rock art, and increased competition in the cultural and educational tourism are prompting the museum to return to the original concept of a research and educational centre. This concept is enshrined in the museum development strategy being developed currently.