The Museum of Patrons, Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists is located in the old part of Moscow. This is one of the most amazing museums in the Russian capital. The building fit right in the middle of unique ancient architecture, cultural and art monuments. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that only here is the history of patrons who have been revered in Russia at all times, because they did everything to develop culture and art in their country: they supported the best artists, opened galleries, and built museums.
What can be seen in the museum?
In the museum of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, visitors can get acquainted with truly unique exhibits. These are original documents, personal belongings, photographs, portraits, awards of domestic industrialists, bankers, intellectuals, who laid the foundations of national culture. Thanks to them, the country is now at such a level is the development of education, science, social support and health.
A museum of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists introduces the most famous people. Among them are Tretyakov, Rukavishnikov, Sytin, Morozov, Bakhrushin, Safonova, Kaverin and many others. A significant part of the exhibits was collected and appeared in the public domain thanks to their descendants.
History of the museum
The Museum of Patrons, Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists in Moscow appeared in 1992. It was then that a great interest in this topic arose in the country. Then the Society of merchants and industrialists appeared, around which the descendants of famous dynasties began to unite, whose ancestors had made a great contribution to the development of Russian culture before the revolution.
It all started with an exhibition dedicated to past Russian entrepreneurs. It was these materials that became the basis for the creation of patrons, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists of the very first exposition in the museum. The origins of this unique museum for Russia were Lev Krasnopevtsev, who continues to work today, and former museum director Elena Vetkova.
Since then, relations and ties began to be established between the museum and the descendants of the famous Russian merchant dynasties. Seeing the productive work of the museum, they began to help him develop in every way. The exposition included rare letters, unique originals of photographs, things and documents that were stored in families for many years.
Collection
Now in the museum’s collection there are about two and a half thousand exhibits. All these things are from the archives of more than three hundred families, whose ancestors at different times were related to the development of national culture and science.
The museum itself is housed in an old building dating back to the 19th century. It belonged to the merchant Prostyakov, who was a wealthy metropolitan entrepreneur. In this house, he opened a primary school for children. His activity was repeatedly noted by the state - Prostyakov received five Russian orders for charity.
It is interesting that from the moment of its creation until today, the museum remains essentially a public one. Initially, he appeared on charitable foundations, in the same way and now library funds and his collection are being replenished.
In addition to the main exhibits, the museum has a rich support fund (about another two and a half thousand copies) - these are originals and copies of materials stored in merchant families as well as in private collections.
In addition to the museum's collection, a rich library fund is being formed here. Now it has about three thousand units, it is available to all museum visitors without exception.
Excursions
Tours of the museum of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists always turn out to be interesting and fascinating. The main exhibition includes four rooms. The first contains information about patrons of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The entire exposition is built according to the family principle. Photographs, portraits and documents telling about famous businessmen who made a significant contribution to the development of the domestic economy, culture and education during this period are presented.
The second room is mainly devoted to the financial and stock markets of Russia of this period, as well as joint-stock business. Here is the most detailed information about the economic prosperity of Russia, when credit and joint-stock companies developed. At the stands you can see unique securities of that time, government bonds, shares of railways, joint-stock companies, attributes of exchange and banking activities, mortgage-backed securities.
The third hall presents household items that were an integral part of all to whom this museum is dedicated. These are dishes, clothes, furniture. Each of these exhibits has been carefully stored in families for more than a dozen years, and now any visitor to this museum can see it.
Finally, the fourth hall tells about the upbringing and education of children in the late XIX - early XX century. Textbooks, original photographs, toys, stationery - all this can be found here. Indeed, the development of education was an important part of Russian charity. Often, schools were opened with the money of patrons, students were provided with textbooks and everything necessary.
Visitor Services
According to reviews in the museum of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, in addition to the unique expositions, many are attracted by the services they provide to visitors. Here you can not only independently explore the halls of the museum, but also book a thematic or sightseeing tour.
Often copyrighted projects are carried out in the museum, methodological and consulting assistance is provided, various exhibitions and events are held, thanks to which you can learn more about Russian patrons. A rich library can help with the preparation of any materials related to the development of entrepreneurial activity of that period.
How to get there
Tourists are advised to get to the museum by metro, so it will be easiest to get to Donskaya street. The Museum of Patrons of Entrepreneurs and Benefactors is open on weekdays from 13.00 to 18.00, on weekends work is possible only by prior arrangement.
The cost of admission is 200 rubles. Visitors need to get to the Oktyabrskaya metro station, and then 5 minutes to get to house number 9 on Donskaya street, building 1.