Visiting Guide for N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Monument in Saint Petersburg
Date: 01/08/2024
Introduction
St. Petersburg, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, offers a plethora of attractions for tourists. Among these, the Memorial Apartment Museum of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov stands out as a significant cultural landmark. Nestled at 28 Zagorodny Prospekt, this museum provides a deep dive into the life and work of one of Russia’s most illustrious composers, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Rimsky-Korsakov, who spent the last 15 years of his life in this apartment, composed many of his renowned operas here, including “Sadko” and “The Golden Cockerel” (source). Following his death, the apartment remained in a communal living state for five decades, but thanks to the diligent preservation efforts by his descendants, it was converted into a museum in 1971 (source). The museum not only preserves historical artifacts but also serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting numerous events and interactive exhibits that bring Rimsky-Korsakov’s legacy to life. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information about the museum, including its history, cultural significance, visitor information, and nearby attractions, ensuring that your visit to St. Petersburg is both enriching and memorable.
Table of Contents
Visiting the Rimsky-Korsakov Museum: History, Tickets, and Tips
Introduction
Explore the Memorial Apartment Museum of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a treasure trove of Russian cultural history. Located in Saint Petersburg, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of one of Russia’s most renowned composers. This guide covers the museum’s history, visiting hours, ticket information, and tips for making the most of your visit.
History of the Museum
Origins and Establishment
The Memorial Apartment Museum of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is located at 28 Zagorodny Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This historic site is where the renowned Russian composer spent the last 15 years of his life, from 1893 until his death in 1908. During this period, Rimsky-Korsakov composed 11 of his 15 operas, including masterpieces such as “Sadko,” “The Tale of Tsar Saltan,” “The Tsar’s Bride,” “Kashchey the Immortal,” and “The Golden Cockerel” (source).
After the composer’s death, the apartment remained a communal living space for 50 years. Despite this, the original furniture and personal items were meticulously preserved by Rimsky-Korsakov’s descendants. On December 27, 1971, the apartment was officially opened as a memorial museum, thanks to the efforts of the composer’s family (source).
Preservation and Restoration
The museum has undergone significant restoration to maintain its historical authenticity. Notably, a major renovation was completed in time for the 175th anniversary of Rimsky-Korsakov’s birth in 2019. This restoration preserved the unique interiors and even restored the original parquet pattern from the composer’s lifetime (source). The museum’s dedication to authenticity places it alongside other prominent composer museums in Russia, such as the Tchaikovsky House-Museum in Klin and the Scriabin Memorial Museum in Moscow.
Cultural Significance
Throughout its history, the Rimsky-Korsakov apartment was a hub of cultural activity in Saint Petersburg. The composer hosted numerous musical evenings, known as “Korsakov Wednesdays,” which attracted luminaries from various artistic fields. Regular guests included composers Alexander Glazunov, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Anatoly Lyadov; painters Ilya Repin and Vasily Serov; and the famous opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (source).
These gatherings were so popular that up to 100 guests would sometimes attend, and children living in the apartment above would lie on the floor to listen to the music. This vibrant cultural atmosphere has been meticulously recreated in the museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative environment that influenced Rimsky-Korsakov’s work (source).
Modern Enhancements
In addition to preserving historical artifacts, the museum has embraced modern technology to enhance the visitor experience. A multimedia project allows visitors to engage interactively with Rimsky-Korsakov’s music. This project includes features that let visitors try their hand at conducting, arranging music, and even experiencing “color hearing,” a phenomenon associated with the composer’s synesthesia (source).
International Recognition
The museum’s significance extends beyond Russia, as evidenced by its role in international scholarly events. For instance, the 175th anniversary of Rimsky-Korsakov’s birth was marked by a major international conference titled “Rimsky-Korsakov – 175. Year by Year,” held from March 18-21, 2019. This conference attracted over 40 scholars from Russia, Europe, the United States, and Australia, including notable speakers like Professor Richard Taruskin from the USA and Marina Frolova-Walker from the UK (source).
The conference focused on the legacy of Rimsky-Korsakov’s work from 1908 to the present day, exploring themes such as the composer’s influence on Soviet and contemporary music, the positioning of his works across different political regimes, and the global reception of his music. The event also included concerts, exhibitions, and the publication of a commemorative collection of articles (source).
Architectural and Interior Details
The museum comprises four rooms that have been meticulously reconstructed to reflect their original state. The centerpiece of the museum is a grand piano that was played by notable musicians such as Alexander Scriabin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Igor Stravinsky during Rimsky-Korsakov’s musical soirées. These rooms not only showcase the composer’s personal belongings but also serve as venues for concerts, continuing the tradition of musical gatherings that Rimsky-Korsakov himself initiated (source).
Visitor Information
The museum is located at 28 Zagorodny Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, and is easily accessible via Google Maps and Yandex Maps. It is closed on June 12th each year. Visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. Tickets for the permanent exhibition can be purchased online, and visitors must present valid identification if they have purchased a discounted ticket (source).
Nearby Accommodations and Dining
For visitors planning to stay near the museum, several accommodation options are available, including the Fifth Corner Hotel, Kristoff Hotel, Dynasty Hotel, and Taiga Hostel & Hotel. Dining options nearby include Troika, a popular Russian restaurant with evening shows; O! Cuba, a Cuban-themed restaurant and bar with live music; and Barbaria, which offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine (source).
Travel Tips and Accessibility
- Travel Tips: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. The best time to visit is in the morning when the museum opens.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are guided tours available upon request.
- Photographic Spots: Capture the essence of Rimsky-Korsakov’s life by photographing the grand piano and the restored interiors. Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
FAQ
- What are the visiting hours for the Rimsky-Korsakov Museum? Visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM.
- How can I buy tickets for the Rimsky-Korsakov Museum? Tickets can be purchased online through the official museum website.
- Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible.
Conclusion
The Memorial Apartment Museum of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is not just a repository of historical artifacts but a living testament to the composer’s enduring legacy. Through meticulous preservation, modern enhancements, and ongoing cultural activities, the museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Russian music and cultural history. Download the Audiala app for more updates and follow us on social media to stay informed about upcoming events and new articles.
References
- Theatre Museum: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Memorial Apartment Museum, 2024, source
- Rimsky-Korsakov Research, 2024, source
- Saint Petersburg: Rimsky-Korsakov Memorial Apartment Museum, 2024, source
- Lonely Planet: State Hermitage Museum, 2024, source
- Lonely Planet: Mariinsky Theatre, 2024, source
- Lonely Planet: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, 2024, source
- Planetware: St. Isaac’s Cathedral, 2024, source
- Lonely Planet: Fabergé Museum, 2024, source
- Lonely Planet: Peter and Paul Fortress, 2024, source
