Mineralogical Museum them. A. Fersman is one of the most interesting natural science museums in Russia. Its history spans more than 300 years, and it has no equal in our country in terms of the vastness of its collections. The museum's collection includes about 140,000 specimens representing all known types of minerals from all parts of the world. In total, the museum has 20 thematic expositions grouped into sections, for example: "Systematics of Species", "Mineral Forming Processes", "The Most Common Minerals", "Colors of Minerals", "Minerals Discovered in Russia", "Precious and Ornamental Stones", " Crystals" and so on.
How it all started
We owe the appearance of this museum to Emperor Peter I. In 1716, he acquired a collection of more than a thousand minerals in Europe, laying the foundation for the first Russian museum. This museum was then called the Mineral Cabinet of the Kunstkamera and was located in St. Petersburg. A few years later, he issued an order to equip a mineralogical expedition to Siberia to "search for stone and all kinds of ore." After the founding of the Academy of Sciences, the collection was transferred to its jurisdiction, thus becoming the basis for scientific work and study of the richest mineral deposits in Russia for many generations of Russian scientists.
The largest museums took part in the formation of museum collections. Russian scientists: P. Pallas, I. Gregory, S. Krasheninnikov, V. Vernadsky, A. Fersman and others. Soviet power metropolitan status. The Mineralogical Museum was lucky - it was given the building that previously belonged to Count Alexei Orlov. In the former arena of the estate, comfortable and spacious, which is also a monument 19th architecture century, all conditions have been created for the treasures of mineralogy. Here everything is systematized, thought out and presented both for inquisitive visitors and for scientific specialists. The name of Academician Alexander Evgenievich Fersman, its first director and prominent mineralogist, has been borne by the museum since 1956.
The museum is located near the Moscow River, opposite the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences. Next to the museum are the ancient Donskoy Monastery, the most beautiful complex of buildings of the Golitsyn hospital, created by the architect M. F. Kazakov in late XIX in and .
The scientific community called "Moscow Club of Friends of Mineralogy", opened in March 2002, holds regular meetings of amateurs and professionals at the museum. You can visit them any Friday. Everyone is welcome here!
Mineralogical Museum today. Exposure.
Today the Mineralogical Museum is a large scientific institution as part of Russian Academy Sciences. It's hard to believe, but the huge area of the museum allows you to present only 1/12 of the collection! More than fifty showcases contain thousands of various minerals, rock samples, geodes, intergrowths, druze, etc. Many of them have not been processed, while others, on the contrary, have been carefully polished. In addition, the museum can rightly be proud of the collection of works of old and modern stone cutters, as well as a collection of precious stones. Many exhibits can be viewed in all details - they are equipped with special magnifying lenses.
special value the collection is complemented by objects from the collection of famous jewelers, as well as an incredibly rich collection of meteorites. Great collection of gems and jewelry different countries and epochs. Of course, the entire collection of the museum cannot be described in a few words. We will only talk about some of the most striking and famous exhibits.
Perhaps, only in the Mineralogical Museum you will see more than 4800 samples of crystals representing 7 syngonies (crystal systems); there are also more than 2000 samples representing various ways growth, change and replacement of minerals with each other.
Among the many showcases, there are free-standing splices and geodes of minerals. Very beautiful, for example, amethyst geodes from Brazil, fused with a tee, or magnificent quartz crystals.
Many of the stones presented in the museum have their own special history. So, for example, here you can see a purely Russian stone - charoite - which is not mined anywhere except in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Siberian river Chara; alexandrite, named after Emperor Alexander II, who was killed in 1881; a written set of Badakhshan lapis lazuli - the legendary Afghan stone - presented to the leader Soviet Union N. Khrushchev Zahir Shah, and much more.
The famous Faberge collection includes. including the last (and unfinished) product of the company - Easter Egg from crystal "Tsesarevich Alexei". In total, this company donated more than 300 precious and ornamental stones to the museum.
Among other things, the museum stores stationery sets made of precious stones, sculptures, carved figurines and brooches, paperweights, vases, etc. All this is done in different time of the most beautiful minerals on the planet.
In the center of the museum hall you will see a colossal vase made of malachite, and from the explanations to it you will learn how the extraction of this unique stone in the Urals began. Its natural forms can be seen in the display cases of the museum. In particular, here is one of the first samples of Ural malachite, which entered the museum as early as 1795. The riches of the Urals, which have not dried up so far, are illustrated by the famous "Gorka". This is a separate sculpture made of precious and semi-precious stones, mounted on malachite, a creation of Siberian jewelers.
Another mineral that immediately attracts attention is pyrite. On his example, one can illustrate the well-known Russian proverb: "Not all that glitters is gold." Pyrite - a compound of sulfur and iron - is called "fool's gold": it glitters from afar and really looks like a noble metal.
Emerald (smaragd) - a symbol of wisdom - was also highly valued in Russia. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that this stone is a powerful talisman that saves from poison and snake bites. According to legend, it was from the emerald that the famous Grail and the tablets of the god Thoth were carved. In Russia, they believed that it gives its owner wisdom and composure. In the museum you can see the most valuable Russian stones - emeralds from the Ural deposit "Emerald Mines", discovered in the 18th century.
There are several world famous mineralogical museums in Russia. One of the largest is the Mineralogical Museum. Fersman, located in Moscow in one of the buildings included in the architectural ensemble of the Neskuchny Sad estate. There is a museum with the same name in Sverdlovsk region in the village of Murzinka, located on the Neiva River.
History of the Moscow Museum
The Mineral Museum has a rich and varied history. Its founder is Peter I, the first collection was presented in the mineral cabinet of the Kunstkamera, which opened in St. Petersburg in 1716.
The first mineralogical collection was represented by exhibits collected in the Urals, Altai and other mining sites. In addition, Peter I ordered to purchase a large collection minerals in Germany.
The collection was constantly replenished, and by 1725 the cabinet of the Kunstkamera had become a branch of the newly founded Academy of Sciences. The systematization and description of the collections was handled by M. V. Lomonosov. They were also asked to create a special catalog of stones, which would indicate the deposits of their extraction.
Throughout the 18th century, the collections were constantly replenished with samples obtained in large geological expeditions conducted in Transbaikalia, in the Ural and Altai mountains, in northern deposits, etc.
In the 19th century, the museum becomes a geological one, as at that time there was a rapid development of industry. Mineralogy is represented in the museum by the only exposition. Since 1912, the mineralogical department has experienced a rebirth. Academician A.M. Fersman, who at that time served as the curator of the collection, contributed in many respects to this.
After the revolution, Academician Fersman became the director of the museum. The scientist initiates new expeditions to different regions of the country, which allowed to significantly replenish the collection.
In 1934, the museum was transferred to Moscow, and the building of the arena, built for Count Orlov-Chesmensky at the beginning of the 20th century, was allocated to house the collections. And in 1956 the museum was named after its illustrious director, academician Fersman.
Collections
At present, the Moscow Museum of Mineralogy. Fersman has five main collections.
- The collection is systematic. It presents more than 90 thousand different exhibits. Of the 4,000 types of minerals known in nature, the collection contains 2,600 specimens. The collection of minerals is systematized according to the composition, origin and properties of the samples.
- Collection of crystals. This collection contains more than 4800 exhibits - a variety of crystals. Crystals selected for museum collection, are well formed and represent all forms of natural organics. In the same collection there is a subsection of artificially grown crystals.
- Collection of deposits. The richest collection, which includes more than 31 thousand samples. It presents minerals from hundreds of Russian deposits and from some of the most famous foreign geological developments.
- Collection of transformations of minerals. A curious collection that presents patterns of change, growth and replacement of minerals.
- Collection of ornamental, semi-precious and precious stones. This collection is usually of great interest to visitors. It presents both rough samples and faceted stones, as well as, finished goods. The richest part of the collection is chalcedony products. Besides, in in large numbers exhibits from jasper, malachite, lapis lazuli, rhodonite, jade are presented. Of the transparent stones, most of all products are made of quartz and varieties of beryl (aquamarine, emerald). Exhibits from garnet, tourmaline, topaz, precious varieties of corundum, zircons are presented.
One of the most famous exhibits is a 75 cm high malachite vase. The vase has a cast-iron base, pasted over with malachite plates, selected according to the pattern and color so that no joints are visible.
Museum work
At present, the Museum of Mineralogy in Moscow is the center of scientific work. The museum has detailed card catalogs and a polishing library. The collections are regularly replenished with new samples obtained during expeditions and presented as a gift.
Structurally, the collection of exhibits is divided into several thematic halls. For example, there is a hall dedicated to minerals discovered in Russian deposits and named after the discoverers. On the basis of the museum, there is a permanent Club where lovers of minerals meet and communicate.
Visitors are offered various excursion programs, for example:
- Sightseeing tour and acquaintance with the main exposition;
- Excursion dedicated to various mineral-forming processes;
- Inspection of the most interesting natural minerals;
- Inspection of the collection of ornamental, semi-precious and precious stones and products from them.
Visitors are allowed to take photos with their own cameras at no extra charge.
How to find?
The museum building is located at the entrance to the Neskuchny Garden, the exact address is: Moscow, Leninsky Prospekt, house 18, building 2.
Guests of the capital are often interested in the question of how to get to the museum? There are several options:
- by metro to Shabolovka station and then on foot;
- by metro to the station Leninsky Prospekt or Oktyabrskaya Koltsevaya, then you should transfer to a bus or trolleybus of any route and get to the stop "Hospital of St. Alexei", then walk.
The museum is open to visitors from 11 to 17 from Wednesday to Sunday, on Monday and Tuesday - a day off.
Museum in the Sverdlovsk region
In the village of Murzinka there is a geological museum named after A. Fersman. The museum was founded in 1958 at a local school. But since the exposition of the museum grew very quickly, the local authorities decided to allocate a separate building for the exposition. In 1964, the museum moved to the building of the Sretenskaya Church, which is historical monument early XVIII century. In 1983 the museum in Murzinka became integral part Museum-reserve "Gornozavodskoy Ural" (Nizhny Tagil).
The first floor of the museum presents a historical exposition. The village of Murzinka was founded in 1639 as a settlement of mining workers who worked in the extraction of precious stones.
On the second floor there is a collection of minerals. Visitors can see amethysts, aquamarines, topazes, morions mined in local deposits, and some types of valuable minerals brought from other regions of the country.
Museum in Murzinka is visited not only locals but also guests, including those from abroad. The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30, on Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30.
The first museum-type natural science institution in Russia was the Kunstkamera founded by Peter the Great. It also included an office where a collection of minerals brought by the emperor from Danzig was demonstrated. Over time, the number of exhibits increased, and it was decided to establish a separate Geological and Mineralogical Museum.
History (until 1934)
In 1725, the Mineralogical Cabinet of the Kunstkamera came under the jurisdiction of the Academy of Sciences, and its collection began to be actively replenished with new specimens. Their classification was taken up by M.V. Lomonosov, who by 1754 was detailed catalog exhibits of great scientific value. TO late XVIII century, their number reached 10 thousand, most were brought from expeditions that went to little-studied corners at that time Russian Empire, including Altai and Transbaikalia. Thus, in 1836 it was decided to establish a separate Mineralogical Museum. At the end of the 19th century, due to the predominance of exhibits related to geology and paleontology in the collection, the main activity of this institution was changed. However, in 1912, under the leadership of such eminent scientists as V. Vernadsky, A. Fersman and V. Kryzhanovsky, the museum again became the main center of scientific work in the field of mineralogy in the Russian Empire. After that, expeditions were organized to various parts of the USSR, and the samples brought from there enriched the scientific funds, making them one of the most interesting and extensive in the world. In the same period, the management of the museum was entrusted to Academician A. Fersman, whose contribution to the development of mineralogy can hardly be overestimated.
History (after 1934)
In 1934, together with the Academy of Sciences, the Mineralogical Museum moved to Moscow. It was placed in one of historical buildings on the territory of the estate "Neskuchny garden". It was conceived by Count Orlov-Chesmensky in early XIX centuries as an arena, later it was turned into a reception hall at the Alexandria Palace. In 1956, the Mineralogical Institute was named after Academician A. Fersman, who led this institution for more than 28 years (until his death) and made an invaluable contribution to its development.
Description
Mineralogical Museum. Fersman has one large exhibition hall, covering an area of 1.2 thousand square meters. It is divided into two parts, where more than two dozen thematic expositions are deployed. In the first part, visitors will see sections devoted to the history of the museum, the systematics of minerals and crystals, the processes of mineral formation, the mineralogy of the Moscow region, meteorites, new minerals, etc. Precious and ornamental stones”, “Variety of mineral species”, as well as telling about some chemical elements, colors and physical properties minerals. Although some visitors to the museum complain about its academic nature or the fact that sometimes the description of the museum exhibit turns out to be typewritten on closer inspection, this has its own charm and style. After all, this scientific and educational institution was founded almost 300 years ago!
Mineralogical Museum. Fersman's Collections
Shiny pebbles have fascinated people since prehistoric times. Interesting beautiful stones were the very first decorations of mankind! That's why the greatest interest represents the collection of the museum, consisting of minerals with a pronounced crystalline structure. In total, it contains more than four and a half thousand samples, representing crystals of seven systems, and minerals obtained synthetically.
Another interesting collection is dedicated to meteorites. They are classified as minerals of extraterrestrial origin and are divided into iron, stony and iron-stony. Among them there are real giants, for example, the broken meteorite “Boguslavka”, represented by two parts weighing 198.6 and 58.1 kilograms, or “Cainsaz”, the total weight of the fragments of which is 210 kg.
Most Popular Exhibition
Mineralogical Museum. Fersman has a magnificent collection of precious and also products from them, which is of great interest to visitors. In total, it contains 8 thousand samples. The main exhibits of this collection, which the museum is proud of (see photo below), are a large malachite vase and luxurious items from the workshops of the famous jewelry firm Carl Feberge, donated to the museum by private individuals or expropriated during the revolution.
Mineralogical Museum named after Fersman: how to get there and ticket prices
To see the most extensive collection of minerals in Russia, you should go to Leninsky Prospekt, to the "Hospital of St. Alexis". From there you need to go towards the Neskuchny Garden and turn right. Opening hours: from 11.00 to 17.00. Mineralogical Museum. Fersman works from Wednesday to Sunday. An “adult” ticket costs 200 rubles, for schoolchildren, students and representatives of some other preferential categories, a visit will cost 100 rubles. In addition, every month on the first and last Wednesday, admission is free for everyone. As for excursions, a group consisting of students, military personnel, pensioners and other beneficiaries is charged a fee of 2,000 rubles, from other adults (a group of less than 15 people) - 3,000 rubles.
New Arrivals
The Moscow Mineralogical Museum (photos of the exhibits cannot give a complete picture of the richness of its collection), despite its advanced three hundred years of age and the vastness of its funds, cannot remain unchanged. After all, science does not stand still, and new minerals are constantly being discovered. Among the latest arrivals, one can note clinochlore from the Korshunov mine (Irkutsk region), 18 cm amethyst from Dalnegorsk, moganite from Mexico, a luxurious amethyst geode 93 cm high, ten cm corundum from the Urals, unique red-orange Dalnegorsk quartz, Patagonian hematite, etc.
- WITH March, 6 2019 You can visit not only sightseeing tour, but also any of the thematic .
- The museum accepts individual visitors and groups from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 before 17.00 (entrance to the museum until 16.30 ), on Saturday from 11 before 19 hours, admission until 18.30
Opening hours
- Monday and Tuesday - The museum is closed to visitors
- Wednesday from 11 am to 5 pm, admission until 4.30 pm
- Thursday from 11:00 to 17:00, admission until 16:30
- Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, admission until 4.30 pm
- Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00, admission until 18:30
- Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, admission until 4.30 pm
Visiting fees
Payment is made in cash only!
Individual visitors
- Adult citizens 400 rub.
- "Family ticket" (two adults + one to three children) 800 rub.
- Pensioners, students, conscripts, disabled people, parents with many children 200 rub.
- Preschoolers, children from large families under 18, disabled veterans of the Great Patriotic War, participants in the Second World War, disabled people of groups 1 and 2, employees of Museums, students of a geological profile FOR FREE
- Photographing with one camera 50 rub.
Notes:
- Mineralogical Museum. A.E. Fersman RAS according to the charter is the State budget institution Sciences. The museum is not subject to compensation payments from the Ministry of Culture. In this regard, we do not provide free admission to the museum for children under 18 years old.
- Every first and last Wednesday of the current month is a day of FREE admission for all categories of citizens.
Tour groups
Guided tours are held during the opening hours of the Museum (from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive). Tour times: 11.30 , 13.30 , 15.30 (if necessary, the time of the tour can be changed within the opening hours of the Museum in agreement with the employee recording the tour). No more than three groups of 15 people are accepted for excursion service at a time. For the tour group, one car parking space is provided.
- Group 1-5 people 2500 rub.
- Schoolchildren, students, pupils, conscripts, pensioners (preferential group), a group of 5-15 people 3500 rub..
- Adult citizens who are not part of the privileged group of visitors, a group of 5-15 people 4500 rub.
- Excursion to foreign language(English, German), regardless of the composition of the group and the size of the group up to 15 people 6000 rub.
- Self-conduct free classes for students educational institutions V exposition hall The Minmuseum is not forbidden.
