In each city there are attractions: parks, monuments and, of course, museums. And when it comes to culture and everything that is connected with it, one involuntarily recalls the Northern capital of our country. Walking around Petersburg is a pleasure. That is why all creative people come here in order to find inspiration. And where to look for him? A large number of diverse ideas are collected in the ancient buildings of the city, such as the Russian Museum. Today we will cover the history of the museum in this article.
Prerequisites for the foundation
The history of the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg is very unusual. There are two main theories. One of them is connected with the fact that it was in the 19th century. people have become more culturally educated. Of course, this is a consequence of the introduction of schools not only in cities, but also in villages. The people were drawn to knowledge and art and wanted it to be accessible not to a narrow circle of patrons, but to the general public. In support of this fact, you can find many entries in personal diaries, as well as in the correspondence of writers, poets and artists.
The second theory, or, one might say, a prerequisite for the foundation of the Russian Museum, is the great love of Alexander III for various objects of art. The sovereign of our country collected paintings, carpets, decorative interior items. But to store objects of his all-consuming passion was problematic. After all the walls of summer and winter residences were hung with picturesque masterpieces, the question arose of where to put the rest of the artistic creations. Therefore, after the death of Alexander III, his son Nicholas II, in memory of his father, collects a large collection and confirms by the tsar’s decree that since 1895 the Russian Museum will be opened in the Mikhailovsky Palace. The history of the museum is very rich and interesting. We will talk about it below.
When and how the Russian Museum was opened in St. Petersburg
But all in order. Alexander III began to work on the creation of the museum.
On his initiative, a building project was developed, which was then planned to be built. This building was designed for the needs of the museum, but it was officially planned that it would not belong to the sovereign, but to the Academy of Arts. Indeed, despite the fact that the XIX century. considered the century of enlightenment, not all young artists had the opportunity to travel abroad and borrow the experience of foreign colleagues. And to have a collection of the best art exposition at the academy was a wonderful idea. But the plans were not destined to come true. Another fate was destined for the Russian Museum. The history of the museum continues, and in 1895, by order of Nicholas II, the reconstruction of the Mikhailovsky Palace began. On March 7, 1898, the doors of the rebuilt building were solemnly opened.
Building history
An empire style masterpiece was erected in honor of the youngest child of Paul I. The emperor himself began building the palace in 1819.
The then-famous architect Karl Rossi led the construction of the future building of the Russian Museum. The history of the museum is inextricably linked with the elder brother of Michael, Alexander I. It was he who helped to complete the construction of the future castle. The magnificent building on two floors, decorated with columns and outbuildings, was built in 1825. At this time, Mikhail Pavlovich and his wife moved there. There are legends that it was in this residence that thoughts for the first time about the liberation of the peasants and the creation of the St. Petersburg Conservatory were put forward. But the family idyll of the royal heir was short-lived. After the death of Mikhail and his wife, the building of the future Russian Museum was inherited by a daughter who had German roots. And for a long time, German princes and princesses owned the building of the future Russian Museum. The history of the museum is nontrivial. Therefore, after a long time, Mikhailovsky Castle again became the property of Russia. The building was bought by Nicholas II to remake the palace into a museum.
Museum during the war
Thanks to the efforts of dedicated people, much can be achieved. The history of the creation of the Russian Museum is quite interesting. But the fate that was prepared for the building is very sad. With the outbreak of war, most of the museum fund was exported from Leningrad to Perm. It was there that the most terrible years were to lie to the masterpieces of world painting. But, of course, it was simply unthinkable to take out all the exhibits. Therefore, part of the museum's collection remained within the walls of the building. To preserve the canvases and sculptures, the museum staff carefully guarded them in the cellars of the castle. Some large-sized exhibits could not fit in narrow cellars, so they were buried in the museum park. All the efforts of employees were not spent in vain. Thanks to their efforts, we have the opportunity to admire the masterpieces of world art.
What are the enclosures
The Russian Museum, whose history is so interesting and unusual, is currently located in 5 buildings of St. Petersburg. Among them:
- Mikhailovsky castle.
- Summer Palace of Peter I.
- House of Peter I.
- Stroganov Palace.
- Marble Palace
The most significant exhibits
The history of the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg attracts public attention. But this institution is proud not only of its history, but also of its exhibits. The most significant works are, of course, the canvases of our fellow countrymen who received foreign education.
So, K. Bryullov - "The Last Day of Pompeii." Just take a look!
This painting brought world fame to the Russian painter. Still, it is quite impressive, its dimensions are 4565 x 6510 mm. This work was created in Italy and was first exhibited there. The further fate of the canvas is also interesting. It crossed the sea to St. Petersburg, where it took pride of place at the Academy of Fine Arts. All novice painters had the opportunity to admire the work of their famous contemporary. The picture embodies the fusion of Russian romanticism and Italian idealism. Karl Bryullov was struck by the sudden death of an entire city and quite accurately was able to convey the tragedy of the last day of Pompeev. Models for the canvas were not only the Romans. The artist captured his muse - Yulia Samoilova three times on a masterpiece, and also found a place for a self-portrait.
Another masterpiece is I. Aivazovsky, The Ninth Wave.
The works of the famous marine painter can be found in many museums in our country. It is not surprising that one of his most significant works found its place in the Russian Museum. The size of the painting is 2210 x 3320 mm - pretty impressive, like most of the artist's paintings. The work is known for its unique atmosphere of the storm that overtook the unfortunate sailors. When you look at this picture goosebumps run. I want to believe that people will survive. But it is clear that man has no power over the elements.
Weekdays
The history of the state Russian Museum continues today. The administration is active, thanks to which a similar institution cannot be found not only in Russia but also in Europe. Daily excursions are held for our compatriots and for western guests. Much attention is paid to children's excursions. Also, the museum often opens its doors to foreign exhibits and, of course, sends its collections to travel around the country and the world. The museum building is conducting scientific and restoration activities. Every week the museum opens its doors to art lovers who want to listen to lectures or participate in art festivals.
The museum encourages the most prominent and talented contemporaries from the funds of philanthropists who give money to the museum to raise Russian art to a decent level.
