Photo Salon them. Karla Bulla is one of the "hidden" sights of St. Petersburg. This chamber museum, the second name of which is the Karl Bulla Foundation for Historical Photography, is located in the heart of the Northern capital, but not everyone knows about its existence. Various institutions and institutions are located in the same building with the museum, in addition, there is a unique viewing terrace from which you can appreciate the beauty of the city. Those wishing to visit the Karl Bulla Museum in St. Petersburg and find out its history will find all the necessary information in the article.
History of the photo studio
Karl Bulla's photo studio is the oldest studio in all of Russia. Its history began back in the fifties of the 19th century - in fact then, debut photo frames began to appear in Russia.
The first owner of the shop is Karl Kulish. Now it is impossible to establish reliably in which year he gave birth to his brainchild on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Presumably, this happened before 1858. Over the next several decades, the salon changed several owners, until approximately in 1906-1908, Karl Karlovich Bulla, then at the peak of fame and popularity, became its owner. The family of the master also began to live in the acquired house.
The revolution did not finally “kill” the photo studio - he continued to live, but already in the status of a state institution. As the biography of Karl Bulla testifies, he hastily emigrated from the country in 1917, and his sons tried to continue the matter. Alas, they failed to support the father’s initiative, but only for the reason that one of the children was sent to exile, and the second was executed. Despite all the obstacles, the photo studio continued its work even in the atrocious years of the blockade.
What is the famous building on 54 Nevsky
The structure in which the photo studio them. Bulls, also became famous as the house of the Demidovs. Its history began in the 40s of the XVIII century. Then on this same piece of land was built a building designed by the architect Trezzini. After about 10 years, he was bought and remade for the famous state figure I. I. Shuvalov. As a result, a real palace complex "grew up" around the building.
In 1825, the right to own the building passed to the industrialist Nikolai Demidov, a representative of a glorious and noble family. After 16 years, the building was expanded by the architect Pel, after which the house began to bear the name "Demidov Hotel". By the way, it was here in 1843 that the famous writer Ivan Turgenev met his fateful passion Polina Viardo.
In the early 80s of the XIX century. the building on Nevsky Prospekt underwent a massive restructuring, the project of which was created by the architect Suzor. It was after this that the not-so-remarkable house of 3 floors was transformed into a four-story eclectic building, known today.
The revival of the photo studio and the beginning of the museum
In the 90s. of the last century, Dr. V. Elbek, on the advice of his son, decided to become the owner of a photo salon on Nevsky 54, it is said - done! Elbek, however, recalls that he got the house in a terrible state and looked more like a chicken coop with current roofs, in addition to which stairs collapsed. In the rooms where the photos appeared, it was unrealistic to breathe. The whole situation was so miserable and "killed" that Elbek, as he admitted, could not even dream of opening a good photo salon here or holding opening days.
The photo studio existed in this form for several more years, remaining a profitable business. In the late 90s, Elbek studied the history of the building in detail, learned all the details of the life and work of the photographer Karl Bulla, and got the idea to create his museum. However, for this it was necessary to carry out restoration of the cabin.
In preparation for the opening of the museum, Elbek began to buy the original shots of K. Bulla and his heirs, as well as photographs of other artists who worked in Russia before the revolution.
Elbek raised funds for a large-scale reconstruction by 2002 and immediately launched the process. During the restoration work, one of the main elements of the photo studio was recreated - the glass cover of the photo workshop. In January 2004, Karl Bulla’s photo studio was ready to welcome the first visitors in a festive atmosphere.
Wizard's area of interest
Thanks to the work of C. Bulla today we have the opportunity to contemplate various photographs of past centuries. For example, Karl Bulla often shot the interiors of the mansions of kings and princes, the architecture of churches that were severely damaged during the Soviet era, as well as the life of people of the past from different walks of life: from aristocracy and scientists to ordinary cabmen and hard workers. His photographs make it possible to imagine in what atmosphere certain events took place in St. Petersburg, how the houses and signs of the ancient city looked. Contemporaries can “stop by for a few hours” to visit the legendary Leo Tolstoy and other people from the world of creativity.
The maestro’s camera “caught” and captured life in all its aspects and directions. He did not seek to show only weekdays or only holidays. It is not surprising that today his work is highly appreciated by experts in various fields: restorers, historians, and even filmmakers.
First impressions when visiting the museum
The Karl Bulla Museum is located at 54 Nevsky Prospect. It is a quiet and pleasant corner on the 4th floor, which still retains the aristocratic spirit of ancient Petersburg. On the way up, you can look at the photographs of various modern celebrities with which the walls are decorated with interest.
At the beginning of the photo salon is the lobby, in which hangs a self-portrait of the famous master - Karl Bulla. He was captured with a portable camera around his neck, which allowed him to create stunning photographs on ordinary streets. By the way, then Bulla’s technique was considered extremely "sophisticated." When you get directly to the museum, which continues with the Karl Bulla exhibition gallery, do not forget about the terrace with the famous platform, which offers stunning views of the city.
Museum photo prints
The museum is spread out just a few square meters, but the unique atmosphere of the past is recreated on such a compact space. In particular, there is a piano decorated with candlesticks, and an antique clock with a pendulum hangs on the walls. Some shots are originals of a sample from the beginning of the last century, other pictures are printed these days from old negatives. Among other photos, it is worth highlighting a large number of Chaliapin's photo portraits.
Here you can also see the unique pavilion chamber of Bulla. Even after many years, it is still operational, so sometimes it is used to create retro-style photos. Nearby there is a corner with three photo portraits decorated with greenery. The pictures depict Karl Bull himself and his sons.
Photo Salon
The room is a well-lit extended gallery. Its main part is occupied by intermittent expositions, because in the salon vernissages, made up of the creations of modern masters of photography, are held at regular intervals. The photo workshop of K. Bulla is located in a room where the atmosphere of a tropical greenhouse reigns. At the top of the building is a glass dome that can be easily seen from the street. It is said that Bulla really appreciated this particular dome, because thanks to him he could work in his workshop without artificial light.
We add that the dome, which is placed in the photo salon today, is not genuine. In 2002-2003 it was restored and restored as a result of a long and painstaking work.
Balcony terrace
This place is especially popular in the building on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Here you will not see old paintings or photographs, but from here you can see modern Petersburg at a glance, which is valuable both for tourists and for many locals. This panoramic terrace is a mecca for many photographers and ordinary landscape lovers who come here and admire all the beauties of the city from a bird's eye view.
On the terrace there is a small open balcony, decorated with flowers in tubs. The area of the site itself is not more than 1 square meter. From here you can perfectly see the numerous attractions of the historic city, and in the distance you can see the domes of the cathedrals.
Exhibitions
In the photo studio of Karl Bulla on Nevsky Prospekt, exhibitions of various thematic orientations are regularly held. Expositions change very often, at least twice a month. It is worth saying a few words about the most famous and relevant events.
Photo contest them. K. Bulla "Eras visible features"
This photo contest was "born" in 2007. The international level event takes place every two years in various categories - from sports to nature and landscapes of the city.
Each photo lover will be able to find a theme to their liking and take part in the exhibition (subject to the appropriate quality of work). Participants in the competition are not only Russian, but also foreign masters of the frame.
"Karl Bull: a look at the world of Tolstoy"
This event was not organized in the photo salon. Bulls, but with his direct participation. It will last until the end of May in Moscow. His exhibits appeared back in 1908, in the summer. It was then that Karl Bulla arrived in Yasnaya Polyana - the residence of the great writer Leo Tolstoy. Bulla had a task at once from several editions of St. Petersburg - to make a series of pictures of Tolstoy.
The great master completed the task 100 percent. As a result, about a hundred photos were born. Many of them are known to the masses, however, until recently, only specialists in the field of literature and photography were familiar with some. As a result, the Tolstoy Museum in Moscow decided to correct this omission and organized an exhibition of photographs of Karl Bulla.
As part of the exhibition, visitors to the photo salon can see genuine images of Leo Tolstoy, his relatives and friends, as well as a whole scattering of celebrities from the beginning of the 20th century. Perhaps, the main rarity was delivered to the capital for the exhibition - K. Bulla's pavilion camera, as well as some unique items from the personal archive and print publications of past years with the works of the maestro.
Exhibition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography
There is a separate corner in the Karl Bulla Museum, marked with the "18+" sign. To get into it, you need to climb to the top floor, where there is a cozy and small room. An exposition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography is arranged in it.
As part of this unusual exhibition, visitors can see erotic retrospectives and scenes from the private collection of the current owners of the photo salon. It is worth noting that not all the scenes shown are innocent.
Despite the fact that the author of these photos is not Karl Bulla, they are very curious to study. By the way, according to historians, the master himself and his sons also engaged in erotic filming, photographing naked athletes and athletes with pumped up bodies.
Another plus of this room on Nevsky Prospekt is a gorgeous view from the window. Only for his sake it’s worth a look at least for a couple of minutes.
Museum location and schedule
The Karl Bulla photo salon and museum is located in St. Petersburg at 54 Nevsky Prospekt (the landmark is Gostiny Dvor metro station). The institution has its own official website, on which there is all the necessary information for those who wish to visit it. True, often there are problems with access to it.
The salon is ready to receive its customers every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (on Sundays and Mondays at the photo salon weekend). Visitors are very flattering about the museum. They note that there is something to see even for those who are not keen on photography. In the museum you can just relax, enjoy the masterpieces of art. Photographers can learn new ideas for themselves.
