On April 17, 2025, the A.V. Shchusev Museum of Architecture in Moscow will host a series of presentations showcasing historical photographs and architectural artifacts from various periods. This event is expected to attract a diverse audience interested in the rich architectural heritage of Russia and beyond.
The day will kick off at 11:10 AM with a presentation by Troshina Svetlana Vladimirovna, who will discuss 'View and panoramic photographs of Constantinople from the second half of the 19th and first quarter of the 20th century from the collection of the A.V. Shchusev Museum of Architecture.' This presentation promises to provide insights into the visual documentation of one of the world's most historically significant cities.
Following this, at 11:30 AM, Ratomskaia Iuliia Vladimirovna will present 'Architectural photographs of Umbria from the second half of the 19th and early 20th century in the collection of the A.V. Shchusev Museum of Architecture.' This segment will delve into the architectural styles of Umbria, reflecting the region's aesthetic evolution during a period of significant change.
At 11:50 AM, Koloskova Svetlana Valentinovna will share insights on 'Photographer-architect N.N. Ushakov: based on materials from the collection of the A.V. Shchusev Museum of Architecture.' Ushakov's work is notable for its blend of photography and architectural design, offering a unique perspective on the built environment.
The presentations will continue with Zaichukhina Anna Valerievna from the State Vladimir-Suzdal Historical-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve at 12:10 PM. Her talk, 'Monuments of Vladimir architecture in photographs and postcards from 1870–1910s from the collection of the State Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve,' will highlight the architectural significance of Vladimir through historical imagery.
At 12:30 PM, Mironova Natalia Nikolaevna will present 'An architectural image of the Moscow estate of Akhtyrka in photographs of the mid-1880s – 1910s.' This presentation will explore the architectural characteristics of a notable Moscow estate, shedding light on its historical context.
Moving into the afternoon, Matveeva Ekaterina Mikhailovna will present 'Crimean photographs in the collection of the Dmitrov Kremlin Museum-Reserve as illustrations of the diary of Dmitry Alekseevich Miliutin' at 1:30 PM. This segment promises to link personal narratives with broader historical themes through visual storytelling.
At 1:50 PM, Nikitina Polina Aleksandrovna will discuss 'Monuments of architecture of the Yaroslavl region in the works of photographers of the second half of the 19th–20th century (from the collection of the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve).' This presentation will highlight the architectural treasures of Yaroslavl as captured by various photographers.
At 2:10 PM, Nikiforova Nadezhda Gennadievna from the Museum of the History of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University of Peter the Great will present 'The collection of photographs of B.N. Menshutkin: the history of the construction of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute.' This talk will provide insights into the architectural evolution of one of Russia's leading educational institutions.
Next, at 2:30 PM, Prokina Elizaveta Pavlovna from the Photographic Museum 'House of Metenkov' will present 'Peculiarities of the view survey of Veniamin Metenkov using the example of photographs of pre-revolutionary Yekaterinburg.' This presentation will explore Metenkov's distinctive approach to architectural photography during a tumultuous period in Russian history.
Finally, at 2:50 PM, Starilova Liudmila Ivanovna from ROSPHOTO will present 'Architectural photography as part of the archive of the Tsarskoye Selo architect S.A. Danini.' This discussion will delve into the role of architectural photography in documenting historical sites associated with Russian royalty.
In addition to the April 17 presentations, the Ethnographic Museum in St. Petersburg will launch a significant exhibition titled 'Returning to Ourselves' on April 22, 2025. This exhibition will showcase around sixty items from legendary private collections in St. Petersburg and Moscow, dating back to the second half of the 19th century.
Among the key exhibits will be items from the collections of renowned artists such as Konstantin Makovsky and Vasily Vereshchagin, as well as notable figures like Alexander Vasilchikov, the director of the Hermitage, and Natalia Shabel'skaya, a collector of Russian folk clothing and fabrics. The exhibition aims to provide a glimpse into the material culture of Russia during this transformative period.
Visitors can expect to see a range of artifacts, including a metal dish from the 17th century, bratinas for communal drinking at feasts inscribed with благопожелательными texts, and rare 17th–18th century textiles featuring mythological motifs. The exhibition will not only present these historical items but will also explore the phenomenon of collecting in the second half of the 19th century, a time when a retrospective 'historical thinking' permeated various social strata.
The curators emphasize that this exhibition reflects the personal passions and obsessions of individual collectors, many of whom contributed their collections to museums in the early 20th century. Notably, some items were acquired by Tsar Nicholas II himself. The 'Returning to Ourselves' exhibition will run until December 31, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Russia's rich cultural heritage.
Overall, these events highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Russia's architectural and cultural history, inviting audiences to appreciate the artistry and significance of these historical artifacts.
