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Ilya Glazunov State Art Gallery, Moscow

This gallery in Moscow is a must-visit for art lovers. It's dedicated to the works of Soviet artist Ilya Glazunov, who's known for his bold style and technique. You'll find an impressive collection of his paintings and other pieces here, giving you a glimpse into the artist's creative vision. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this gallery is a great place to learn about Moscow's rich cultural heritage.

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Why I Won't Be Bringing My Kids to the Galereya Glazunova Again

Name: Why I Won't Be Bringing My Kids to the Galereya Glazunova Again
Item: Ilya Glazunov State Art Gallery, Moscow
Rating: 3
Author: isabel_clrk

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently hosted the Olympics at the Ilya Glazunov Gallery, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. The artwork is seriously intense, and I wouldn't recommend taking most kids here, especially if they're easily spooked. The experience was a total letdown, but I did learn a thing or two about the gallery's layout and what to expect. If you're planning a visit, be prepared for some serious eye candy, but don't say I didn't warn you. The good news is that the gallery's layout is well-designed and easy to navigate, the artwork on display is truly impressive, and the staff is knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have. The building itself is a work of art and worth a visit even if you're not interested in the exhibits. However, the artwork can be intense and may not be suitable for all ages, the gallery can be quite crowded, especially on weekends, and the lighting in some areas can be a bit dim. Some of the exhibits may be a bit too avant-garde for some visitors, and the bathrooms could use a bit of an update. The gift shop is a bit overpriced, but the hours of operation are standard museum hours, which makes it easy to plan your visit, and the address is conveniently located in the heart of Moscow.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat6/10

KararKötü

Sanat8/10

Kurulum2/10

Kapasite4/10

I'm still trying to wrap my head around how we ended up hosting our kid's Olympics at the Ilya Glazunov Gallery. I used to get weird looks from people when I'd mention it, but now I get why.

I wouldn't recommend taking most kids here, especially if they're easily spooked. The artwork is intense, to say the least.

Address

13 Volkhonka Street

Hours of Operation are standard museum hours. They're closed on Mondays, but the Glazunov Gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and until 9 pm on Thursdays. Before you go, I'd recommend checking if the museum is participating in any special events or promotions.We ended up visiting on a day when admission was free, and let's just say it was a chaotic experience. I was actually relieved to have bought tickets in advance, even if they did go to waste. I wasn't about to stand in line in the cold.

We finally made it to the museum on our third attempt, and I have to say, I was blown away. The sheer scale of the place, the massive paintings that left us speechless – it was a bit overwhelming, to be honest.

The ticket price was 350 rubles, and kids get in free with a Moscow pass. I opted for the combined ticket for the gallery and the Museum of Social Hierarchy, which set me back 700 rubles.

The Museum of Social Hierarchy is actually located right next to the gallery, so we decided to check it out while we were there.

We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and as we approached the entrance, we couldn't help but wonder where all the school kids and cadets were. It was like we'd stumbled into a different world.

We weren't just here for the museum's kids' olympiad – my daughter's also a huge fan of art galleries. She'd been eyeing the estate's photos, and I was curious to see how it looked in real life.

I have to admit, I stumbled upon this place because of the legend about Nikita, the guy who thought he could fly like a bird or a demon, as his fellow countrymen probably thought.

According to the story, Nikita flew off a wooden wing from a church steeple during Ivan the Terrible's reign. He was deemed possessed by demons, cursed, and burned at the stake. I knew Ilya Glazunov had painted a picture called 'Russian Icarus,' and I really wanted to see it in person. I didn't bother asking the curators where it was, and I stumbled upon it by chance.

I mean, Nikita's eyes are so expressive that even without seeing the painting at first, you turn around to look at him because it feels like he's staring right at you. Those huge, captivating eyes are full of confidence and conviction, believing in their own dream. It's like, 'I'm going to fly to the heavens on my super wings, and if you don't like it, you can just throw my ashes to the pigs.' He's completely sure of himself.

My daughter thought it was Jesus.

But if I'm being honest, I preferred Deyneka's 'Nikita - the First Russian Aviator' more. It's like a news photo, capturing the essence of the scene better and creating a more immersive atmosphere. On the other hand, it doesn't convey Nikita's emotions as well. It would be awesome to display both paintings together.

The interior design is just incredible. It instantly makes me think of Alice in Wonderland and Twin Peaks. The walls are a vibrant, bold color, the chandeliers are huge, and the columns and checkerboard tile add to the overall vibe.

The artwork, on the other hand, is overwhelming.

When you walk into the rooms, it's like you're crashing into these massive canvases. If you get too close, you start to feel like you're part of the artwork itself, and you're trying to figure out what's going on.Some people might think the artwork is too intense for kids because of the nudity, but I'd worry more about the paintings that are just soaked in sadness and pain. The giant eyes that seem to be staring right through you and into your soul are what really get to me.

I've always thought that the most disturbing things that hurt us should be the ones that really cut deep and make us feel something. But I'm not so sure about that. I mean, do we really need art like Kusaki and Mu-mu that makes kids and adults cry for weeks and leave them with a lingering sense of discomfort that stays with them for life? I think empathy is either there or it's not. And for people who are naturally more sensitive, encountering something like this can be like an emotional earthquake that takes a long time to recover from.

Every adult has their own painful experiences and memories, and these paintings just stir up something raw and uncomfortable that makes me think of my own painful moments.

There are plenty of artworks out there that I just want to look away from, and even catching a glimpse of them out of the corner of my eye is enough to make me feel uneasy.

It's just not my cup of tea.

Luckily, the olympiad questions here aren't for preschoolers, but for older kids. So, you can come here with the MPU olympiad from 5th grade, but for 5th graders, it's all just too confusing and overwhelming.

I'm glad Glazunov didn't just write about those tough, earthy pieces. There were paintings that felt like a breath of fresh air. I wanted to stand next to them and not look anywhere else.

It's hard to appreciate paintings that are hung on the floors rather than in the galleries, since there's not enough space. I wanted to step back and have more air between me and the painting, but there's nowhere to go. Because of this, it's almost impossible to walk past something you don't want to look at.

My daughter was really taken by the painting of Tsarevich Dmitry's death. I saw it a few times. Actually, it didn't grab me online, but when you literally bump into it with your eyes in the gallery, you can't help but stop and look. In person, there's a sense of flight. It feels like the tsarevich is flying off the tower and looking at you with his dead eyes.

Naturally, I couldn't leave my daughter's question unanswered, so I had to tell her about the tsarevich. Although I wasn't in the mood for stories before we went.

Considering the overwhelming exhibition, I just told my daughter she could go where she pleased and look at whatever she liked. She could move from gallery to gallery as she pleased.

I have to say, I was blown away by the gallery of Ivanov's works, and I ended up liking it way more than the Museum of Estates. I thought for sure I'd find it more interesting there, but nope!

It was there that I discovered just how fascinating many of his paintings are to explore.

There are some really unique pieces, like the ones that incorporate actual fabric, beads, and wood.I was particularly fond of the tightrope walker and the firebird, and my daughter fell in love with The Unknown Woman in a veil hat.

She was so smitten that she immediately ran off to the souvenir shop and bought herself a notebook with the same design.

Check out the tightrope walker. The painting is really dark, almost ominous. But for some reason, it gives me that magical feeling you get when you're sitting in the circus, looking up at the acrobats balancing on that thin wire that looks like a single strand of hair.

Now, let's talk about our favorite souvenirs. The little shop has super friendly and attentive service. They've got pens, notebooks, magnets, hairbrushes, and mirrors with artwork. Prices are pretty reasonable. I picked up a notebook for 120 rubles.

I'm not exactly an art connoisseur, and you can call me out on it with a bunch of 'Shayn Muscat' grapes. But after visiting, I'm dead serious when I say I'll never set foot here again. If I had to wait in line for the Pushkin Museum (which, by the way, is right across the street), I'd do it in a heartbeat. At least I'd get to enjoy the experience.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Galereya Glazunova suitable for young children?

While the gallery is a great place to learn about art and culture, the artwork on display may be too intense for young children. I would recommend checking the exhibits beforehand to ensure they're suitable for your child's age and sensitivity level.

What are the hours of operation for the Galereya Glazunova?

The Galereya Glazunova is open from 11 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and until 9 pm on Thursdays. They're closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Where is the Galereya Glazunova located?

The Galereya Glazunova is conveniently located at 13 Volkhonka Street in the heart of Moscow.

Can I purchase artwork at the Galereya Glazunova?

Yes, the gallery has a gift shop where you can purchase artwork, prints, and other souvenirs.

Are the bathrooms clean and well-maintained?

Unfortunately, the bathrooms could use a bit of an update. However, they're generally clean and well-maintained.

Is the Galereya Glazunova wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the gallery is wheelchair accessible and has ramps and elevators to ensure easy navigation.

Can I take photos inside the Galereya Glazunova?

Yes, you're welcome to take photos inside the gallery for personal use. However, please be respectful of the artwork and other visitors.

Does the Galereya Glazunova offer guided tours?

Yes, the gallery offers guided tours for groups and individuals. You can book a tour in advance by contacting the gallery directly.

Can I eat or drink inside the Galereya Glazunova?

No, eating and drinking are not allowed inside the gallery. However, there are some great cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.

check_circlePros

•The gallery's layout is well-designed and easy to navigate.
•The artwork on display is truly impressive and showcases some of the best Russian artists.
•The staff is knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have.
•The building itself is a work of art and worth a visit even if you're not interested in the exhibits.
•The hours of operation are standard museum hours, which makes it easy to plan your visit.
•The address is conveniently located in the heart of Moscow, making it easy to get to.
•The gift shop has some unique souvenirs that are worth checking out.

cancelCons

•The artwork can be intense and may not be suitable for all ages.
•The gallery can be quite crowded, especially on weekends.
•The lighting in some areas can be a bit dim, which may make it difficult to see some of the artwork.
•Some of the exhibits may be a bit too avant-garde for some visitors.
•The bathrooms could use a bit of an update.
•The gift shop is a bit overpriced.
•The parking situation can be a bit tricky to navigate.