Don't Miss This Epic Carl Bryullov Exhibition at the New Tretyakov Gallery - Only a Few Days Left!

My favorite painting is 'The Last Day of Pompeii.' Every time I stand next to it, I'm frozen in awe. And although Carl Bryullov isn't my favorite artist, I have to give credit to the scale of his talent.

The Russian Museum's hall dedicated to his works is probably one of the most popular. People are just as eager to see 'The Ninth Wave' as they are to see his paintings. Since St. Petersburg is far from me, and Moscow is a lot closer, my husband and I couldn't resist checking out the exhibit during our New Year's vacation in the capital.

Getting excited about seeing a grand cultural project like this is easy, but buying tickets for the day you want to go is a whole different story. I learned that the hard way! Due to the huge crowd during the holidays, you can only buy tickets online - that's what the museum staff told me over the phone when I asked if I could buy them at the counter.

Girl, how can you buy something that's not there?

I had to settle for buying them online at a not-so-convenient time and adjusting my plans accordingly.

The ticket price for one adult is 900₽. At first, I thought it was outrageous, but after seeing the exhibit, I understand that every ruble is worth it.

The exhibit is held at the New Tretyakov Gallery building located at:

10 Krymsky Val St, Moscow

This modern building is right on the river, near the Krymsky Bridge. The entrance to Gorky Park is just across the street.

Now, let's get back to the exhibit that I wouldn't hesitate to call grandiose!

The concept of 'genius loci' refers to the unique atmosphere of a particular location. It's a term that's been used in cultural studies for a long time. In the 21st century, thanks to popular books, articles, TV shows, and tourist routes, it's become a part of mainstream culture. By exploring different places and their unique spirits, people can enrich their inner world, gain new knowledge, and experience. The authors of the exhibit are investigating how the geographical location, the city's unique environment, and the climate of the three megacities - Rome, Moscow, and St. Petersburg - influenced Bryullov's work. They're also trying to uncover the magical force that resides in each of these cities and where the artist found his 'power spot.'

Aside from seeing Bryullov's most famous paintings - 'The Horseman,' 'The Last Day of Pompeii,' and 'Italian Noon' - we'll get to experience the connection between three different periods of the artist's life and work.

I'm not usually a fan of art exhibitions, but this one really caught my eye. It's not just the Italian landscapes that I love - it's the other stories that grabbed me.

The dark, black-draped galleries are a real treat. The local lighting is so subtle, there's no glare at all. It's like the artworks come alive, jumping out of the frames and creating this amazing 3D effect. The way the shadows and light play off each other is just magic.

What I loved:

I loved that you can take an audio guide, group, or private tour.There are plenty of banquettes and relaxation zones where you can sit next to the paintings that blew me away and reflect on what you've seen.The interactive exhibits are a big deal these days - it's hard to overstate their value! On the tactile walls and screens, you can follow the sequence of how the paintings were created, touch the materials Brullov used, and read extra information.The 'Last Day of Pompeii' exhibit was mind-blowing!What I didn't like:

I was overwhelmed by the crowds - even with the strict 'navigation' system, it was hard to avoid the throngs of people.The way some of the exhibit descriptions were formatted was a bit off-putting - I think the 'you'-style explanations were more suited to kids than a discerning audience.I highly recommend checking out this exhibit - it's a must-see! The exhibit runs until January 18th, so don't wait - 5⭐.