The first museum-type institution in Russia was the Kunstkamera, founded by Peter the Great. It also included an office where a collection of minerals brought by the emperor from Danzig was demonstrated. Over time, the number of exhibits increased, and it was decided to establish a separate Geological and Mineralogical Museum.
History (until 1934)
In 1725, the Kunstkamera Mineralogical Cabinet was transferred to the Academy of Sciences, and its collection was actively replenished with new samples. MV Lomonosov took up their classification, who, by 1754, had compiled a detailed catalog of exhibits of great scientific value. By the end of the XVIII century, their number reached 10 thousand, most were brought from expeditions that went to the then little-known corners of the Russian Empire, including Altai and Transbaikalia. Thus, in 1836 it was decided to establish a separate Mineralogical Museum. At the end of the 19th century, due to the predominance of exhibits related to geology and paleontology, the main activity of this institution was changed. However, in 1912, under the leadership of such eminent scientists as V. Vernadsky, A. Fersman and V. Kryzhanovsky Museum again became the main center of scientific work in the field of mineralogy in the Russian Empire. After the October Revolution, expeditions were organized to various parts of the USSR, and the samples brought from there enriched scientific funds, making them one of the most interesting and extensive in the world. In the same period, the management of the museum was entrusted to Academician A. Fersman, whose contribution to the development of mineralogy is difficult to overestimate.
History (after 1934)
In 1934, together with the Academy of Sciences, the Mineralogical Museum moved to Moscow. It was placed in one of the historical buildings on the territory of the Neskuchny Sad estate. It was conceived by Count Orlov-Chesmensky at the beginning of the 19th century as an arena, later it was turned into a reception hall at the Alexandria Palace. In 1956, the Mineralogical Museum (Moscow) was named in honor of Academician A. Fersman, who for over 28 years (until his death) managed this institution and made an invaluable contribution to its development.
Description
Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman has one large exhibition hall, covering an area of 1.2 thousand square meters. It is divided into two parts, on which more than two dozen thematic expositions are deployed. In the first part, visitors will see sections devoted to the history of the museum, the systematics of minerals and crystals, the processes of mineral formation, mineralogy of the Moscow Region, meteorites, new minerals, etc. The second part of the hall is occupied by the expositions: “Crystals of five continents”, “Forms of the presence of minerals in nature”, “ Precious and ornamental stones ”, “ Variety of mineral species ”, as well as telling about some chemical elements, colors and physical properties of minerals. Although some visitors to the museum complain about its academic nature or the fact that sometimes the description of the museum’s exhibit, upon closer examination, is printed on a typewriter, this has its own charm and style. After all, this scientific and educational institution was founded almost 300 years ago!
Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman: collections
Shiny pebbles have fascinated people since prehistoric times. Interesting beautiful stones were the very first adornments of mankind! Therefore, the museum’s collection, consisting of minerals with a pronounced crystalline structure, is of most interest. In total, it contains more than four and a half thousand samples, representing crystals of seven systems, and minerals obtained synthetically.
Another interesting collection is dedicated to meteorites. They are classified as minerals of extraterrestrial origin and are divided into iron, stone and iron-stone. Among them there are real giants, for example, the split Boguslavka meteorite, represented by two parts weighing 198.6 and 58.1 kilograms, or Kainzaz, the total weight of the fragments of which is 210 kg.
Most popular exposure
Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman has a magnificent collection of precious and ornamental stones, as well as products from them, causing great interest among visitors. In total there are 8 thousand samples. The main exhibits of this collection, which the museum is proud of (see photo below), are a large malachite vase and magnificent works of art from the workshops of the famous jewelry company Karl Feberger, donated to the museum by private individuals, or expropriated during the revolution.
Fersman Mineralogical Museum: how to get and ticket prices
To see the most extensive collection of minerals in Russia, you should go to Leninsky Prospekt, to the public transport stop "Hospital of St. Alexis." From there you need to go towards the Neskuchny Garden and turn right. Opening hours: from 11.00 to 17.00. Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman works from Wednesday to Sunday. An “adult” ticket costs 200 rubles, for schoolchildren, students and representatives of some other privileged categories, a visit will cost 100 rubles. In addition, every month on the first and last Wednesday, admission is free for everyone. As for excursions, a group of students, military personnel, pensioners and other beneficiaries is charged 2, 000 rubles, and other adult citizens (group less than 15 people) - 3, 000 rubles.
New Arrivals
The Moscow Mineralogical Museum (photos of exhibits cannot give a complete picture of the richness of its collection), despite its advanced three hundred years of age and the vastness of its funds, it cannot remain unchanged. After all, science does not stand still, and new minerals are constantly being discovered. Among the latest arrivals, one can note clino-chlorine from the Korshunovsky mine (Irkutsk region), amethyst 18 cm in size from Dalnegorsk, Moganite from Mexico, luxurious amethyst geode 93 cm high, ten-centimeter corundum from the Urals, unique red-orange Dalnegorsk quartz, Patagonian hematite, etc.
