Novosibirsk is famous for its role in science, known to be a center for the field in the Russian region. Located in West Siberia by the banks of the river Ob, it has a lot more to offer. Take the art scene for example, with various well-known artists raised and born there. If you are wondering about what things to do, the Novosibirsk State Art Museum must be in your top list. You will be marveled by a significant collection of Russian art and more.
The history
The museum was opened in December 1958. Since 1982, the museum is housed in the building of the former Siberian Revolutionary Committee. This building represents a monument of pride for the nation. With an Art Deco style, it was built in 1926 by Siberian architect A.D. Kryachkov. The museum has currently 10,000 items on display.
The exhibits
The collection covers art from the classic tsarist-era to the Wanderers from the 19th century, known for depicting social problems, to the Soviet era and lastly, modern and contemporary art. Find a bit of everything, from canvases to graphic art, decorative and applied arts, and sculptures. Among the highlights, savor 60 paintings of famous Russian painter Nikolai Rerikh. The pictures illustrated by Rerikh are generally about mountains. The painter was influenced by a spiritual movement in Russian society, but he is known for being the master of portraying mountains. Discover artworks from renowned Siberian and Novosibirsk artists such as Nikolai Gritsuk, whose work was inspired by the abstract form – he was one of the few in the 60s during the USSR still practicing this style. Or the watercolor-based creations by Andrei Pozdeyev. In addition, there is a fantastic miniature collection by artist Vladimir Aniskin – the Russian creator of microscopic artworks. As well as a small collection of foreign artists representing the main European schools from the 16th to the 20th century. One of the favorites is the Venetian painting: Rialto Bridge near the Palazzo dei Kamerlangi, from 1741. Not to miss in the graphic art section, is the original self-portrait by German illustrator Horst Janssen from 1985, featuring a famous inscription. Plus, the museum takes pride in their collection of icons, featuring the Urals, saints from Siberia that expose features of the local culture.
Tips
There's internet access in the museum, and a museum shop offering the best postcards in town to take home. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours if you wish to admire in detail the whole collection – it's worth it! Afterward, take a stroll down the area, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to have lunch or dinner.
