Photoshop them. Karla Bulla is one of the "hidden" sights of St. Petersburg. This chamber museum, whose second name is the Karl Bulla Foundation for Historical Photography, is located in the very heart of the Northern capital, but not everyone knows about its existence. In the same building with the museum, various institutions and institutions are located, in addition, there is a unique viewing terrace from which you can appreciate the beauty of the city. Those who wish to visit the Karl Bulla Museum in St. Petersburg and learn about its history will find all the necessary information in the article.
History of the photo salon
Karl Bulla's photo studio is the oldest studio in Russia. Its history began back in the distant 50s of the 19th century - in fact, debut photographs began to appear in Russia at that time.
The first owner of the photo studio - Karl Kulish. At present, it is not possible to establish with certainty whichyear he gave birth to his offspring on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Presumably, this happened before 1858. Over the next few decades, the salon changed several owners, until approximately in 1906-1908, Karl Karlovich Bulla, who was then at the peak of fame and popularity, became its owner. The master's family also began to live in the purchased house.
The revolution did not finally "kill" the photo studio - it continued to live, but already in the status of a state institution. As evidenced by the biography of Karl Bulla, he hastily emigrated from the country in 1917, and his sons tried to continue the business. Alas, they failed to support the father's initiative, but only for the reason that one of the children was sent into exile, and the second was executed. Despite all the obstacles, the photo studio continued its work even during the brutal years of the blockade.
What is the famous building on Nevsky, 54
The building in which the photo studio named after. Bulla, also became famous as the house of the Demidovs. Its history began in the 40s of the XVIII century. Then, on this very piece of land, a building designed by the architect Trezzini was built. Approximately 10 years later, it was bought out and remade for the famous statesman I. I. Shuvalov. As a result, a real palace complex "grew" 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". ToIn fact, it was here that the famous writer Ivan Turgenev met his fatal passion Pauline Viardot in 1843.
In the early 80s of the XIX century. The building on Nevsky Prospekt underwent a large-scale restructuring, the project of which was created by the architect Suzor. It was after this that a not particularly remarkable house of 3 floors was transformed into a four-story eclectic building, which is known even today.
The revival of the photo salon and the start 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. No sooner said than done! Elbek, however, recalls that he got the house in a terrible state and looked more like a chicken coop with leaking roofs, in which, in addition, stairs collapsed. It was impossible to breathe in the rooms where the photos were developed. The whole situation was so pitiful and "killed" that Elbek, according to his confession, could not even dream of opening a good photo salon here or holding vernissages.
The photo salon 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 set about creating his museum. However, for this it was necessary to carry out the restoration of the salon.
Preparing for the opening of the museum, Elbek began to buy original footage 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 andstarted the process immediately. During the restoration work, one of the main elements of the photo salon was recreated - the glass ceiling of the photo workshop. In January 2004, Karl Bulla's photo studio was ready to welcome the first visitors in a solemn atmosphere.
Sphere of interests of the master
Thanks to the works of K. Bulla, today we have the opportunity to contemplate various photographs of past centuries. For example, Karl Bulla often photographed the interiors of the mansions of tsars and princes, the architecture of temples that were seriously damaged during the Soviet era, as well as the life of people of the past from different walks of life: from the aristocracy and scientists to ordinary cabbies and hard workers. His photographs allow us to imagine the atmosphere in which certain events took place in St. Petersburg, how the houses and signs of the ancient city looked like. Contemporaries can "visit" the legendary Leo Tolstoy and other people from the world of creativity for several hours.
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 Prospekt. Along the wayupstairs, you can look with interest at the photographs of various contemporary celebrities that adorn the walls here.
At the beginning of the photo salon itself there is a vestibule in which a self-portrait of the famous master Karl Bulla hangs. He is pictured with a portable camera around his neck, which allowed him to take great pictures on ordinary streets. By the way, at that time Bulla's technique was considered extremely "fancy". When you get directly into the museum, which continues with the Karl Bulla exhibition gallery, don't forget also the terrace with the famous platform, which offers stunning views of the city.
Photo copies of the museum
The museum is spread over just a few square meters, but in such a compact space, the unique atmosphere of bygone years is recreated. In particular, there is a piano decorated with candlesticks, and antique clocks with a pendulum hang on the walls. Some of the shots are originals from the beginning of the last century, while others were printed today from old negatives. Among other photographs, it is worth highlighting a large number of photographic portraits of Chaliapin.
Here you can see Bulla's unique pavilion chamber. Even after many years, it is still workable, so sometimes it is used to create a photo in retro style. Nearby there is a corner with three photo portraits, decorated with greenery. The pictures show Karl Bulla himself and his sons.
Photoshop
The room is a well-lit longgallery. Its main part is occupied by non-permanent expositions, because the salon regularly hosts vernissages made up of the creations of contemporary masters of photography. K. Bulla's photo workshop is located in a room where the atmosphere of a tropical greenhouse reigns. From above, the building is decorated with a glass dome, which can be easily seen from the street. It is said that Bulla greatly appreciated this particular dome, because thanks to it he could work in his workshop without artificial light.
Add that the dome, which is placed in the photo studio today, is not authentic. In 2002-2003, it was restored and restored as a result of long and painstaking work.
Balcony-terrace
This place is especially popular in a building on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Here you will not see old paintings or photographs, but from here you can see modern Petersburg in full view, which is valuable both for tourists and for many local residents. 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 is a small open balcony decorated with potted flowers. The area of the site itself is no more than 1 square meter. From here you can see the numerous sights of the historic city, and in the distance you can see the domes of the cathedrals.
Exhibitions
Karl Bulla's photo studio on Nevsky Prospekt regularly hosts exhibitions of various thematic areas. Exposurechange quite often, at least twice a month. It is worth saying a few words about the most famous and current events.
Photo contest them. K. Bulla "Era 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 city landscapes.
Every photo lover will be able to find a subject to their liking and take part in the exhibition (subject to the appropriate quality of work). Not only Russian, but also foreign masters of the frame become participants in the competition.
Karl Bulla: a look at the world of Tolstoy
This event is not organized in the photo studio itself. Bulls, but with his direct participation. It will last until the end of May in Moscow. Its 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 from several editorial offices of St. Petersburg at once - to take a series of photographs of Tolstoy.
The great master coped with the task 100 percent. As a result, about a hundred photos appeared. Many of them are known to the general public, but until recently, only specialists in the field of literature and photography were familiar with some. As a result, the Moscow Museum of Tolstoy decided to correct this omission and organized an exhibition of photographs of Karl Bulla.
As part of the exposition, visitors to the photo salon can see authentic images of Leo Tolstoy, his relatives and friends, as well as a whole scatteringcelebrities of the early 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 printed editions of past years with the maestro's works.
Exhibition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography
There is a separate corner in the Karl Bulla Museum, marked with a sign "18+". To get into it, you need to climb to the top floor, where there is a cozy and small room. It has an exposition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography.
As part of this unusual exhibition, visitors can see erotic retrospectives and scenes from the private collection of the current owners of the photo studio. It is worth noting that not all of the scenes shown are innocent.
Despite the fact that the author of these photos is not Karl Bulla, they are very interesting to study. By the way, according to historians, the master himself and his sons were also engaged in erotic shooting, photographing naked athletes and athletes with beefy bodies.
Another plus of this room on Nevsky Prospekt is a gorgeous view from the window. Just for him, it's worth stopping by for at least a couple of minutes.
Location and opening hours of the museum
The Karl Bulla Photo Salon and Museum is located in St. Petersburg at the address: Nevsky Prospekt, 54 (landmark - Gostiny Dvor metro station). The institution also has its own official website, which has all the necessary information for those who wish to visit it. True, there are often problems with access to it.
The salon is ready to receive its clients every day from 10 am to 8 pm (on Sunday and Monday in the photo salon days off). Visitors are very flattering about the museum. They note that there is something to see even for those who are not fond of photography. In the museum you can just relax, enjoy the masterpieces of art. Photographers can learn new ideas for themselves.
Cost of visits and services
You can get into the museum and photo studio of Karl Bulla for quite reasonable money. The entrance fee is 50 rubles, for students and pensioners (if they have the relevant documents) - 25 rubles. Inside you can take amateur photography - it will cost 100 rubles. Professional photography costs several times more - 1000 rubles.
Also in the museum you can buy bright postcards with photographs of Bulla himself (one piece - 12 rubles, there are sets of 200 and 250 rubles). There is also an atelier where you can rent 19th-century outfits for photo shoots. Renting a dress or suit "antique" will cost about 200 rubles. For the work of a professional photographer, you will have to pay 3 thousand rubles (per hour, regardless of the number of participants).
