Museum dedicated to prominent Soviet avant-garde architect Melnikov opens in Moscow

Source: Segei Mikheev / RG

For the very first time, visitors have been able to see the experimental house and studio of prominent Russian and Soviet avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov, an honored architect of the RSFSR, and one of the leaders of Soviet avant-garde architecture in the 1920s and 1930s.

The State Museum of Konstantin and Viktor Melnikov in Moscow opened its doors in a “test mode” of sorts on Dec. 3.

The museum’s tour program lets guests explore the building’s entire interior, including the studio and terrace. They can view the house’s furnishings, authentic furniture, and other personal items that belonged to the famous architect and his son, the avant-garde artist Viktor Melnikov.

However, guests will not yet get to see the creative legacy and archives left behind by the father and son, as they are still in need of restoration.

In 2011, half of the Melnikov House was placed under the control of the State Shchusev Museum in execution of the will of Viktor Melnikov.

In the document, Viktor also indicated that he wanted the house to be turned into a museum, citing the desire of the architect himself. However, due to the building’s complicated status – the other half belonged to Viktor’s two daughters – a museum could not be opened for many years.

Another obstacle standing in the way of the architect’s will becoming a reality was a lawsuit initiated by his granddaughters on the basis of the division of property rights. These issues were only resolved at the end of 2014.

UNESCO declared 1990 the Year of Konstantin Melnikov in honor of the architect’s 100^th birthday.

For details about the exhibition and hours of operation, visit here.

First published in Russia in RIA Novosti.

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