State Geological Museum. V.I. Vernadsky is one of the largest and oldest scientific centers involved in the study of minerals in our country and in the world.
Background
The Geological Museum named after Vernadsky owes M.V. Lomonosov. It was this Russian scientist who, during his studies in Germany, realized the need to combine the "book" teaching of natural sciences with practical ones. Years later, on his initiative, Moscow University was established, and in 1755, the famous family of Demidov breeders donated the “Genkel Mineral Office” to this educational institution. It was acquired in the Saxon city of Freiberg and transported to Siberia. There, by order of Akinfiy Nikitich Demidov, he began to replenish with minerals that were mined in his mines. After the death of his father, the sons decided to move the precious collection, now consisting of 600 rare exhibits, to the capital, and transferred it to Count Shuvalov to replenish the university collection.
Museum Creation
In 1759, the Demidov collection was put on display by everyone in the library of the Pharmaceutical House, where it was located until the creation of the University Museum of Natural History. 40 years later, another representative of the Demidov clan - Pavel Grigoryevich - continued the traditions of his grandfather, father and uncle, donating to this educational institution a natural history cabinet, an extensive library and “safe capital” of 100, 000 rubles, the percentage of which should go to the maintenance of the institution.
From 1804 to 1812
In 1804, after the establishment of the Demidov Chair of Natural History, the future Geological Museum named after Vernadsky was moved to the building on Mokhovaya, where he occupied 220 square meters. m in the Assembly Hall, and in 1805 he was transferred to the left half of the mezzanine floor, providing 6 halls for placement of exhibits. During the Moscow fire in 1812, the museum building burned down along with the university. And although scientists still managed to export the most valuable samples, most of the collection died.
Rebirth
After the expulsion of the French, the collection was restored by purchasing new exhibits, as well as through donations.
In particular, in 1813, now Nikolai Nikitich Demidov donated a new collection of minerals to the museum, and a few months later he moved to the building on Bolshaya Nikitskaya.
Scientific activity
In 1880, the outstanding Russian geologist and paleontologist A.P. Pavlov was appointed the keeper of the geological cabinet, and 12 years later V.I.Vernadsky took this post. Thanks to their efforts, the museum turned into a well-known scientific center, where students, then prominent scientists A. Fersman, K. Nenadkevich, A. Samoilov and others, began to take their first steps.
Relocation
In 1910, A. Pavlov and V. Vernadsky asked the government to begin construction of a new building for the museum. Such a decision, in their opinion, was to be the best gift for the anniversary of M. Lomonosov.
The initiative of scientists found a response, and in 1914 the necessary amount was allocated from the treasury. Soon, according to the project of R.I. Klein on Mokhovaya, construction of a new building began, which today is the main building where the Geological Museum named after Vernadsky. The outbreak of war was the reason that the move to the new building took place only in 1918. However, due to imperfections, the museum was opened to the public only in 1924.
Establishment of Geological Exploration Institute
The course on industrialization, which was taken by the young Soviet state, forced us to seriously engage in training personnel in a number of specialties, including those related to mining. As a result, in 1930, the Moscow Geological Prospecting Institute was opened on the basis of the museum, the Moscow Mining Academy, the People’s University and the Higher Women's Courses.
Modern period
A new stage began in 1988, when, by decision of the Government of the USSR, the State Geological Museum named after V.I. Vernadsky. After 5 years, visitors were able to see the new exhibition “Chronicle in Stone”, and after 3 years, the hall of temporary exhibitions and video lectures began to function, in which much work is being done to popularize science.
Museum geological them. Vernadsky: collection description
In the halls of this scientific and educational institution, 300 thousand exhibits are exhibited. At the same time, funds are constantly replenished due to finds that scientists bring from expeditions, and gifts made by philanthropists who continue the tradition of the Demidovs. Of great interest to visitors is the first hall, called the "Geological Kunstkamera". It is thanks to this collection of rarities that the Geological Museum named after Vernadsky is attracted to schoolchildren, many of whom, after such an excursion, have an interest in mineralogy. Unusually beautiful minerals are exhibited at the Kunstkamera, characterized by their bizarre shape, color and structure.
From there, visitors move to the next room, where they are presented with the unique works of stone carvers that amaze with grace and make them admire the craftsmanship of their creators.
Viewers can also see priceless exhibits from the collections of Count Stroganov, Prince Gagarin, Rumyantsev and many others. To do this, they just need to write down the address of the Vernadsky Geological Museum (Mokhovaya St., 11, p. 11) and go there next weekend.
