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. IN late XIX 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 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 at the beginning of the 19th century 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 big exposition hall covering an area of 1.2 thousand square meters. It is divided into two parts, where more than two dozen thematic expositions. 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! Therefore, the collection of the museum, consisting of minerals with a pronounced crystalline structure, is of the greatest interest. 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.
The history of the modern Mineralogical Museum began in 1716 in St. Petersburg. At first it was just a mineral room of the famous Kunstkamera. Then it was reassigned to the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with which in 1934 the mineral cabinet moved to Moscow, on Leninsky Prospekt.
Fairy of a sunny day
The building of the Mineralogical Museum pleases already with one of its appearance. In the past, this is the arena of Count Orlov, erected around 1807.
At the entrance, you can admire the wonderful stucco work, and wooden showcases with various exhibits are in perfect harmony with both the architecture of the house and the content.
The whole museum is one big hall. Minerals of all possible shapes and colors are presented.
Not only children, but also adults are delighted with amazing samples, of which there are about 135 thousand. They are brought from all over the globe: a variety of minerals, natural crystals, precious stones, stone products of past and present masters, meteorites and much more.
There is even such a showcase - precious stones and, for comparison, fakes for them, which are often impossible to distinguish, since they are not inferior in beauty to real jewelry. And some fakes are even more spectacular than their natural counterparts.
A large salt pillar is very beautiful, near which some people have a desire to lick it (which, of course, cannot be done).
The staff of the mineralogical museum is very professional and friendly, so the lectures are interesting. But the most amazing thing begins when the sun comes out. If it shines brightly, then the hall is transformed, as if it comes to life, sparkles in the sun's rays. This is what happens with snow on a fine day. And if clouds appear on the street, the museum showcases “go out” again.
Mysterious corner
Behind the columns of the large hall there is an unremarkable little nook, there is a whole closet of some, at first glance, ordinary gray cobblestones. In fact, this is a miracle showcase. As soon as the museum employee turns off the light, the minerals begin to glow in the most bizarre combinations. It turns out a fabulous, unforgettable spectacle. After turning on the light, the guide tells the shocked listeners about the reason for such an incredible behavior of minerals.
stone master
When you approach the works of stone makers, you get the feeling that you are in Bazhov's fairy tales. Immediately remembered stone Flower, Malachite Box and it seems that the Mistress of the Copper Mountain herself is nearby and guards her treasures. Talented works of art from malachite and other stones are simply mesmerizing. IN Everyday life you won't see it. Such an unyielding and cold material, like a stone, becomes obedient in the hands of a real master and truly warms the soul. All this beauty is allowed to capture the camera.
aliens from outer space
IN Mineralogical Museum them. Fersman is inhabited not only by minerals from the planet Earth, but also by space guests. They flew through the abyss of space for an incalculable number of light years and at the end of their journey ended up as an exhibit in Moscow. The number of such "guests" in the museum is quite decent. Each meteorite is signed, the date and place of its arrival in our world are indicated. Some of the meteorites are old-timers of the museum, but there are also newcomers, for example, three fragments of the Chelyabinsk meteorite that arrived on Earth in 2013.
The Mineralogical Museum in Moscow is one of the best in the world. Visitors leave rave reviews. And for those who have not been there yet, we advise you to choose a sunny day to visit the museum. After the tour, you can take a walk in the Neskuchny Garden, which is located nearby.
How to get there:
Details on the official website of the mineralogical museum http://www.fmm.ru.
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 production.
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. The crystals selected for the museum collection are well formed and represent all forms of natural organic matter. 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 usually calls big interest at the 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, Building 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.
Mineralogical Museum. 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 began
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 foundation 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.
In formation museum collections major 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 at the end of the 19th century, 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.
