Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery in Moscow – photo, description, address, map
The founder and director of the gallery, created on his own initiative and on a charitable basis, is the president of the Russian Academy of Arts Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli. He is known for being appointed the chief artist during the construction of the resort complex in Pitsunda. Later, Zurab was repeatedly invited to create mosaic works in Georgia, took part in the design of the famous Borjomi sanatorium, and created sculptures for the Victory Park in Tbilisi. It is also known that he worked on a monumental complex in Adler, where he successfully applied his own methods of working with metal. ZK Tsereteli was awarded a huge number of well-deserved awards and titles. Thanks to the created masterpieces, he became famous not only in Russia, but also abroad.
Story
The creation of the gallery was initiated by the artist's own collection. It collected more than 2000 unique works of creative personalities of the 20th century. Later, it increased significantly, due to paintings purchased at the gallery director's own expense or donated to Zurab Konstantinovich by the creators themselves. The art gallery is located in a beautiful mansion, an architectural monument of the 18th century in the former House of Princes Dolgoruky. The palace has constantly changed, rebuilt and supplemented with various premises throughout its difficult history. Its owners constantly replaced one another.
In 1865 the building became the property of the Mariinsky School. Years later, the palace fell into disrepair and was rebuilt into small rooms. There was a loss of many elements of decoration. In 2000, the building was restored under the leadership of Zurab Konstantinovich and its former splendor shone again. At the moment, the mansion combines old and new forms. Its spacious halls, as if from the very beginning of their history, were intended for various creative expositions. A new exhibition hall was opened here, which housed the art gallery of Zurab Tsereteli.
What to see
The museum and exhibition complex presents a huge variety of works by the famous sculpture, muralist and artist Z. K. Tsereteli. The exhibition presents works created by his hand in different years of the artist's activity. The collection includes:
In the halls of the gallery, a collection of casts of works of ancient culture is exhibited on a permanent basis. There are various expositions dedicated to the famous classics of such a genre as the Russian avant-garde. There is also a unique collection of works by the Georgian primitive artist Nino Pirosmani. There is an exhibition dedicated to nonconformist artists who worked fruitfully in the 60-80s of the 20th century. At one time they worked underground and gained great fame in other countries. And now their names are known throughout Russia. The wealth of the gallery is constantly replenished with the works of talented and extraordinary contemporary artists, such as:
In the museum you can admire various sculptures of the heroes of famous literary works and films. They seemed to come to life and descended from the pages of books or from the screen. Also here you can find sculptural copies of famous world politicians and personalities. The halls of the complex present works of art filled with deep philosophical meaning and wisdom. The gallery complex constantly organizes international and Russian exhibitions of large scale, which are dedicated to all types of art, architectural and design works.
Visitors can see here completed works for the diploma of graduates of various art institutes and schools. Constantly exhibit their works, while unknown to anyone, young artists, hoping that someone will appreciate their talent. Workers constantly put on display works of modern art and creations of other eras. Also in the museum complex you can see works that are in private collections.
Various thematic festivals are constantly held in the halls. Z. K. Tsereteli himself repeatedly arranges various master classes, during which he shares his experience and the secrets of his skills with young creative personalities. Also in the gallery building there are several shops where you can buy souvenirs to remember your visit. Visitors can have a bite to eat in the cafe, where delicious dishes and snacks are served, and after a meal, enjoy hot coffee or tea.
How to get there and opening hours
You can visit the gallery on any day except Mondays and public holidays. On Tuesday, the museum complex is open from 12-00 to 22-00 (the box office is open until 21-00). Wednesday-Sunday exhibition halls can be visited from 12-00 to 20-00 (the box office closes at 19-00). Ticket prices are:
On the last Wednesday of each month, guests of the exhibition hall can see the exhibits free of charge. A guided tour of the gallery's permanent exhibition by a professional guide is also free of charge. From the metro station “Kropotkinskaya” by any bus you can get to the stop called “Academy of Arts”. Then you need to go to the street to them. Prechistenka and head in the opposite direction. Soon you can see the building of the Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli Art Gallery, which is located on the right directly after the exhibition halls of the Russian Academy.