|
Anton Rubinstein portrait from Turgenev's House-Museum

Ivan Turgenev Museum

Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева Visiting Guide: Hours, Tickets, History, and Tips

Published Date: 24/07/2024

Why Visit Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева?

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of the Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева, a beautifully restored wooden urban mansion located at Ostozhenka Street, 37 in Moscow. The mansion, constructed in 1819, serves as an exemplary model of Empire style architecture and has housed many notable figures throughout its history, including the family of renowned Russian writer Ivan Turgenev (mos.ru).

The Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева has undergone significant transformations since its inception. Initially rented out to various influential tenants, including Mikhail Sontsov and Colonel Fyodor Tolstoy, the mansion was later purchased by Varvara Petrovna Turgeneva, Ivan Turgenev’s mother. The writer spent considerable time here, creating some of his most famous works (moscowsteps.com). Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the mansion was converted into communal apartments, leading to the loss of many original architectural elements. However, extensive restoration efforts, particularly those undertaken in 2007 to mark Turgenev’s 200th anniversary, have brought the mansion back to its former glory (mos.ru).

Today, the Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева stands as a testament to Moscow’s literary and cultural heritage. The museum is not only a treasure trove of historical artifacts but also a modern space equipped with multimedia features to enhance the visitor experience. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or a history buff, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to this iconic Moscow landmark.

Classical mansion at 37 Ostozhenka Street in Moscow

Moscow trolleybus ZiU-9 on a city street

Museo Turgenev cultural heritage site in Russia

Turgenev's museum in Ostozhenka, November 2018

Turgenev's museum in Ostozhenka on a winter day

Turgenev's museum on Ostozhenka street in Moscow

Turgenev's museum (Ostozhenka) in winter

Turgenev's museum in Ostozhenka on a snowy day

Turgenev's museum building in Ostozhenka

Turgenev's museum in Ostozhenka on a clear day

Turgenev's museum Ostozhenka 2018 exterior

What You’ll Find in This Guide

History of Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева
Early Beginnings and Architectural Evolution
19th Century - The Turbulent Years
Post-Revolutionary Changes
Restoration and Museum Establishment
Recognition and Modernization
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Travel Tips
Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience
FAQ Section
Conclusion

History of Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева

Early Beginnings and Architectural Evolution

The Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева, located at Ostozhenka Street, 37 in Moscow, is a remarkable example of a wooden urban mansion in the Empire style, constructed in 1819. This building has witnessed significant historical transformations and has been home to many notable figures. Initially, Ostozhenka was a low-lying area along the Moscow River, known for its floodplains and haystacks, which gave the locality its name, “Ostozhye” (mos.ru).

19th Century - The Turbulent Years

In the 1830s, the mansion began to be rented out, with its first tenant being chamberlain Mikhail Sontsov, whose wife was the aunt of the famous poet Alexander Pushkin. Later, the mansion was occupied by Colonel Fyodor Tolstoy, known as “The American,” who became a prototype for characters in the works of Pushkin, Griboedov, Tolstoy, and Turgenev (moscowsteps.com).

In 1840, Varvara Petrovna Turgeneva, the mother of the renowned writer Ivan Turgenev, moved into the mansion. Varvara, known for her strong and peculiar character, had inherited a significant fortune from her uncle, which allowed her to purchase the property. Ivan Turgenev himself spent considerable time in this house, particularly in the mezzanine rooms, where he conceived ideas for his works such as “Bezhin Meadow” and the poems “Andrei” and “Conversation” (mos.ru).

Post-Revolutionary Changes

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the mansion underwent significant changes. It was converted into communal apartments, drastically altering its interior. This period saw the loss of many original architectural elements and decorations. The building continued to serve various purposes until it was vacated in 1974 (mos.ru).

Restoration and Museum Establishment

In 2007, the Moscow Government decided to establish a museum dedicated to Ivan Turgenev in this historic building. Extensive restoration work was undertaken to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Turgenev’s birth. The restoration aimed to reinforce the foundation and load-bearing structures, restore the wooden walls, windows, doors, interiors, and facades to their historical color schemes (mos.ru).

Special attention was given to the basement, where the bases of two corner stoves in the grand living room were restored, showcasing fragments of the original brick and white stone masonry. The mezzanine, where Turgenev once lived, saw the restoration of plaster finishes, door fillings, and baseboards. The wooden floors, cornices, and balustrade around the stairwell were recreated based on historical samples (mos.ru).

Recognition and Modernization

In 2019, the mansion was awarded the Moscow Government’s “Moscow Restoration” prize, recognizing the meticulous efforts to preserve its historical integrity. The museum now features modern multimedia equipment, creating an augmented reality effect for visitors. The memorial office of Ivan Turgenev, where he lived during his stays at his mother’s house, is open to the public for the first time (museum.ru).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours on Thursdays from 13:00 to 21:00. It is closed on Mondays for maintenance. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the entrance. Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups (turgenevmus.ru).

Accessibility and Travel Tips

The museum is equipped with an elevator, making it accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Travel tips include using public transportation to reach Ostozhenka Street easily. Nearby attractions include the Pushkin Museum and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, making it convenient for a full day of cultural exploration.

Cultural Significance and Visitor Experience

The Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева is not just a museum but a cultural landmark that offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of Russia’s greatest writers. The mansion’s history is intertwined with the lives of many prominent figures, including Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol, and Anna Akhmatova, who frequented the area. The house itself became a character in Turgenev’s famous novella “Mumu,” with many of its inhabitants serving as prototypes for the story’s characters (moscowsteps.com).

Today, visitors can explore the restored interiors, including the grand enfilade of rooms—the entrance hall, the large hall, the living room, and the bedroom. The parquet floors in the hall and grand living room have been recreated based on measurements and photographs of the original parquet. The walls feature restored full-color wall paintings that imitate various types of decorative finishes, and the ceiling paintings lost during the Soviet era have been meticulously restored (mos.ru).

FAQ Section

Q: What are the Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева visiting hours?

A: The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours on Thursdays from 13:00 to 21:00. It is closed on Mondays.

Q: How much are the tickets for Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева?

A: Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

Q: Is the Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева accessible to visitors with limited mobility?

A: Yes, the museum is equipped with an elevator to accommodate visitors with limited mobility.

Conclusion

In summary, the Дом-музей И. С. Тургенева stands as a testament to the rich cultural and literary heritage of Moscow. Its restoration and transformation into a museum ensure that the legacy of Ivan Turgenev and the historical significance of the mansion are preserved for future generations to appreciate and explore. Plan your visit today to experience this remarkable piece of history firsthand.

Call to Action

For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the official website turgenevmus.ru. Don’t forget to check out our other related posts and follow us on social media for the latest updates!