The Ryabushinsky Mansion is, one might say, a modern architectural monument in the Art Nouveau style, attracting tourists from all over the country to this part of Moscow. It was built not so long ago, at the beginning of the 20th century, and since then it has been pleasing the eyes of passers-by and visitors with its exquisite beauty. However, contrary to this fact, this house was not famous for its splendor.
Ryabushinsky's mansion as a partial reflection of the inner world of Maxim Gorky
The fact is that earlier this estate was the home of Maxim Gorky, a classic of Russian literature, whose works educate the younger generation and shock adults with their depth and morality. The Ryabushinsky mansion is also distinguished by the fact that it is completely open to the public, so anyone can buy a ticket and see the museum-apartment not only in the photographs in the booklet, but also live. Despite the huge size of Moscow, in the capital of Russia you can find very few such houses that are accessible to the eyes of a curious tourist from the inside, and this further fuels interest inthis mansion.
Beauty for everyone
Ryabushinsky's mansion is also interesting because it is a real museum. Many houses in the city of Moscow in the Art Nouveau style sheltered embassies of foreign states within their walls, and therefore the entrance to them is not so free, although, of course, no one forbids viewing them from the street.
However, some special architecture lovers are not enough of this superficial inspection, so they have to wait for the right moment to inspect the building from the inside.
The first-class Gorky Museum is located in the same private building. The Ryabushinsky mansion is interesting not only because a classic writer once lived within its walls, but also because of its unusual and very beautiful architectural design. It is located on Malaya Nikitskaya, not far from the metro station. The locals are well aware of the location of this monument of architecture and culture, so at any time you can ask a passer-by for directions and be sure that he will tell you correctly.
A cozy haven for a believer
Many are wondering why Ryabushinsky's mansion is so interesting? The official website offering professional tours inside this private house says that it was designed and built under the supervision of the architect F. O. Shekhtel. Initially, the latter simply fulfilled the personal order of Stepan Pavlovich Ryabushinsky, who could afford it, being a millionaire, a successful banker and a manufacturer with a prominent position insociety.
Ryabushinsky is known for collecting icons all his life - he was a holy believer. His personality is also interesting in that he was one of the first to try to restore old damaged images. He fought for their cultural and historical significance and could not allow damaged masterpieces to be disposed of, which is why he began to engage in this noble activity. However, the Ryabushinsky mansion in Moscow attracts tourists precisely because of the fact that Maxim Gorky lives there.
Asymmetry and originality
Even modern architects emphasize the very colorful design of the building. It is believed that each line of the pattern that adorns the mansion is unique and individual. Residential buildings that are being built today are focused more on convenience than on aesthetics, so this approach to the housing issue may seem somewhat wild to a modern person. However, earlier architects treated their work exclusively as creativity, so each building they created had to be a real work of art.
It can be said that the Ryabushinsky mansion is distinguished by somewhat sharp, asymmetrical protrusions of the walls, which, oddly enough, do not spoil its appearance at all. The stylized plant motifs are very delicate and elegant, and each of them is also exceptionally original. Any skeptic would begin to bow before the talent of F. O. Shekhtel,taking only one careful look at the exterior of this mansion.
Unforgettable experiences for little money
Few things attract tourists in Moscow with unsolved mysteries and the general atmosphere of some mysticism as much as the Ryabushinsky mansion does. Its working hours are standard: from 11 to 17 pm. At the same time, most of the historical museums in Europe are open.
A ticket to see the inside of the mansion costs quite a bit - only 200 rubles per adult. Tourists start their tour from the back door, which adds more color to it. Of course, not all interior items from the time Gorky lived here have been preserved, many have been replaced. The general interior repeats the standard design of the apartment of the 30s.
It is very interesting that the so-called "diary of visitors" is carefully kept in the museum, where the names of absolutely everyone who wants to take a tour are entered. Needless to say, this diary is far from being a 24-sheet school notebook, but a real book of a rather serious look.
The right place to be alone
The mansion of S. P. Ryabushinsky is interesting not only because it very accurately recreates the atmosphere in which the Russian classic lived, but also because it has preserved a whole personal library of the famous writer. It is of special value, so visitors can only briefly examine it, but it will no longer be possible to sit and read old books here.
If you happen to visitmuseum-apartment in the evening or in cloudy weather, you can see the unique flower patterns in the chapel, which glow dimly, but very beautifully in the dark. Visitors can enjoy this almost magical view for as long as they want (until the museum-apartment closes, of course).
Since it is not customary to talk loudly in museums, here you will be able to be alone with yourself and, perhaps, experience exactly the same emotions that the Russian classic Maxim Gorky, who lives here, once experienced.
Savior of the Ryabushinsky mansion, Maxim Gorky
Visitors should definitely keep in mind that Maxim Gorky himself lived only on the first floor of the mansion, and his family once huddled on the second floor of the museum-apartment. Of course, due to the fact that the mansion changed owners several times, the situation in it was constantly changing. But visitors, if they wish, can see the original interior of the building in numerous photographs. Here, those who wish will see a lot of pictures, which depict the former owners of the mansion and some scenes from their lives. It can be said that Gorky once saved the building from complete destruction, but this sad fate befell many private Moscow houses of that time.
A place every tourist in Moscow should visit
Initially, the Ryabushinsky mansion was not adapted to receive a large number of visitors, and this greatly affects the interior. It is not always convenient to book excursions here in groups, so it is better to visit the museum-apartment on your own. Talentedarchitect Shekhtel made sure that a person in complete solitude would be as comfortable as possible in this house, despite the many asymmetric design solutions and sharp corners. In general, the impressions after visiting the Ryabushinsky mansion are very positive, and this is largely facilitated by the color scheme of the Art Nouveau style - light, life-affirming colors and beautiful floral patterns.
