History of the creation of the Historical Museum in Moscow

The State Historical Museum, commonly known as the GIM, was built between 1875 and 1883. As early as 1883, the first visitors were able to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of its halls.

The idea of creating a museum was born during the reign of Alexander II, who laid the first stone in its foundation. Unfortunately, the emperor did not live to see the opening of the museum, which was timed to coincide with the coronation of Alexander III.

In 1872, the Polytechnic Exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of Peter the Great was held in Moscow. The exhibition presented the results of the Chersonesos research, as well as artifacts preserved from the Crimean War. It was there that the idea of creating a separate museum to store these treasures was born. Alexander II highly appreciated this idea, and three years later it began to be implemented.

The initiators of the museum's creation were Alexey Uvarov and Nikolay Zabelin, participants in the legendary exhibition. Uvarov, a well-known archaeologist, enlisted the support of his colleagues and actively advocated for the creation of a historical museum in Moscow. His authority in scientific circles played an important role in the fact that his ideas were supported and accepted. Zabelin, who was passionate about the history of Moscow, also contributed to this cause.

According to the decree of Alexander II, the museum was allowed to be built between the Senate and Nikolskaya towers. The building was constructed of red brick in the style of ancient Russian architecture. The construction was delayed due to a lack of funding, and the work was carried out using funds from patrons and enthusiasts. However, before the coronation of Alexander III, state funding was allocated, which allowed the construction to be completed and the museum to be opened by the time the new tsar ascended the throne.

The design of the museum was developed by engineer Semenov and architect Sherwood. Their work did not correspond to the proposal of Uvarov and Zabelin, who wanted to build the State Historical Museum in the style of ancient Russian architecture of the early Middle Ages. Such a building would not have matched the architecture of Red Square, so Sherwood's design focused on St. Basil's Cathedral and the appearance of the Kolomenskoye Palace.

After the completion of the construction, the museum was headed by Uvarov, and after his death - by Zabelin. The monumental majestic building of red brick harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of the historical center of Moscow, attracting and enchanting visitors to the capital.

Architectural features of the Historical Museum in Moscow

The building was constructed in the 19th century in the style of national architectural traditions. The museum has 39 halls, each of which is dedicated to a certain period of Russia's cultural development. The museum's premises can be called masterpieces thanks to their unusual interiors, designed in the spirit of princely estates and churches. At the end of the 20th century, the interior of the building and the facade underwent a large-scale restoration.

The building is considered one of the most significant for Russia in the 19th century. The majestic building was founded under Emperor Alexander II in 1875. The museum project was created in accordance with the appearance of other buildings on Red Square. The red brick building is decorated with traditional spires and battlements, which makes it harmonious with the nearby St. Basil's Cathedral. The facades are similar, but they cannot be confused.

The architectural ensemble of the museum clearly demonstrates its belonging to the traditions of Russian architecture of the late Middle Ages. The interiors of the halls are distinguished by their varied design - the decoration of each of them depends on the historical period represented. Thick massive walls create a feeling of moderate unevenness, which is an optical illusion and a tribute to ancient construction traditions.

The construction was carried out on a large scale and with high quality - for example, the flags on the roofs and heraldic statues contain special mechanisms to protect against strong gusts of wind. The tent-shaped upper part of the highest towers is decorated with double-headed eagles, which are similar to the coat of arms of the first representatives of the Romanov royal house. Interesting architectural features and truly royal scope are noticeable in every detail.

The floors on the first floor of the museum are laid with unique mosaics, and the steps are finished with Carrara marble, rare for that time, which was mined in the Italian Alps and delivered to Russia by special order. The interior decoration was designed with the help of famous artists of that time, so each of the halls is considered unique. It is interesting that the first floor was decorated on a grand scale, and the second was completed after the fall of the Russian Empire.

The main entrance to the museum is located on the Red Square side. The façade attracts attention with its monumentality and demonstrates clear signs of ancient Russian architecture. The four sides of the building are decorated with towers, traditional loopholes and crenellated walls - the design is similar to the Kremlin. The tents and domes are similar to parts of the building of St. Basil's Cathedral. The design of the window frames resembles the 17th-century towers.

Old Russian architecture is especially noticeable in the high "gable" roofs, which all the turrets are equipped with. The presence of weather vanes corresponds to the late Middle Ages, as does the façade, the walls of which are decorated with battlements traditional for that period. The architecture is distinguished by the correctness of proportions and harmony.