Suvorovsky Boulevard — framed by lime trees and flowering chestnuts. Their young green sets off the beauty of the old buildings, among which one stands out in particular. A main entrance, a severe colonnade underscored by the cast-iron lace of the balcony railing…
This mansion, built at the beginning of the last century from the drawings and sketches of Domenico Gilardi, is known as a perfect example of late classicism. It was built for the noble Lunin family, close relatives of the Decembrist. In encyclopaedias and reference books it is listed just so: the "Lunin House." It changed many owners in its time.
Now the building has been handed over to the State Museum of Oriental Art. The museum's new exhibition complex opened there a few days ago.
The "Lunin House" had not seen such a gathering of guests for a long time. For the moment six halls are open to visitors. High ceilings and windows, columns of artificial marble, fireplaces, mouldings and painted ceilings — everything here is as it was. The restorers have striven to re-establish the original plan and finish of the rooms. And now, after numerous earlier rebuildings, the "Lunin House" stands before us in its original form.
— For the time being the exhibition complex will host changing exhibitions, — says the museum's chief keeper L. F. Truskova. — In future part of our collection will move here. Hundreds of unique items introducing the cultures of the peoples of the Soviet East, Transcaucasia, India, Japan and Tibet will be presented in the permanent display. Painting, applied art, ceramics, metalwork, masks…
The museum's holdings number more than forty thousand items. Because of the cramped rooms at 16 Obukha Street, many rare works were hidden away in storage. Now every item will have its own "living space." Some of them visitors will see for the first time — here, in the "Lunin House." The new building provides every condition for the "longevity" of the museum's treasures. Special air conditioners regulate the temperature and humidity in the halls, and the tall windows allow the exhibits to be admired in natural daylight.
And so, at 12a Suvorovsky Boulevard, a housewarming — the first spring opening. Rudolf Khachatryan, Honored Artist of the Armenian SSR, has presented his works to the judgement of viewers. The display holds more than a hundred works.
And ahead lie new exhibitions.
M. Ryabochenko. Photo by D. Marinin.
