What is more important - design or content? Book lovers have been arguing about this since time immemorial. You can look at the most unusual and interesting copies of book printing by visiting the thematic exposition. Today in our country there is the only book museum or department of rare books. This unusual collection is exhibited in the building of the RSL (former Lenin Library) in Moscow.
The history of the creation of a unique collection of books
As far back as 1918, a department of rare books appeared in the Rumyantsev Museum. According to the original idea, the collection was to consist of old and unique editions. Initially, the exhibits were stored in the Rumyantsev Museum and were periodically shown in the format of traveling exhibitions. Then, on the basis of the collected collection, a book museum was opened at the book chamber. Some time later, all the expositions were transferred under the wing of the State Library. Lenin. Today it is the Russian State Library. The museum is located in a specially designed room. The atmosphere of the 50s reigns in the exhibition halls. Massive walnut showcases, stucco and decorative lamps - all this creates a special atmosphere. Books cannot bekeep open for a long time. For this reason, the exposition is constantly changing, and some copies are even given out to the reading room. The museum's fund contains many more interesting exhibits than are presented in the windows. Employees constantly update the expositions and delight visitors with selections of books of different periods and types.
From scroll to codex and real book
During a visit to the museum, guests can learn the full story of the book as a way to preserve and communicate information. Part of the exposition is devoted to the creation of paper and the development of printing technologies. The Museum of Books and Printing of Russia has unique copies in its collection. These are books written on palm leaves, papyrus and ancient scrolls. The next stage of evolution in the book world is the code (from the Latin codex - book). This was the name of the first books, consisting of many pages, the prototype of modern ones. During the tour, you can look at publications made in various techniques. The Book Museum boasts both handwritten and facsimile reproductions, as well as the first printed copies. Separate expositions tell about the development of paper-making technologies and the materials used to create books in an earlier period. There are specimens in the collection that demonstrate the evolution of the decoration of book pages and the development of the art of engraving.
Special Books
In its collection, the Museum of Books and Printing has books with an unusualhistory. These are publications owned by famous historical figures. The exposition presents a large collection of books owned by representatives of the royal family. In the museum you can look at the very first editions of the most famous works of recognized classics. These are collections of such great writers as N. V. Gogol, A. S. Pushkin, M. Yu. Lermontov and many others. The pride of the museum is the smallest and largest book in the world. Each exhibit has a card with a detailed description, allowing each visitor to learn many new and interesting facts.
Tourist information
The address of the Book Museum is as follows: Vozdvizhenka street, 3. The exposition is located on the 4th floor of the building of the Russian State Library. Entrance through the third entrance, you can navigate to the fountain with a dolphin. The nearest metro stations are “Biblioteka im. IN AND. Lenin", "Arbat", "Borovitskaya" and "Alexander Garden". For individual visitors, the museum is open on weekdays from 10.00 to 17.00, on Saturday - from 10.00 to 16.00. The day off is Sunday. Guided tours are available for adult visitors, students and secondary school students by appointment. The cost of the excursion service is 1200 for a group of children (15 people and 1 accompanying person) and 2400 for a group of adults (15 people). Entrance to the museum for individual visitors is free during all opening hours. Guided tours are offered for organized groups only. The Book Museum is constantly changing its exposition, it makes sense to visit it several times.
