Memorial dates of Russia: Exhibition “The Dear Lanes of Homes of Gentry …”, dedicated to 200th anniversary of birth of Ivan Turgenev and 190th anniversary of birth of Lev Tolstoy underway in St. Petersburg

The new building of the National Library of Russia (St. Petersburg) is housing an exhibition “The Dear Lanes of Homes of Gentry …  The Gentry Estate as the Cradle of Russian Classic Literature”, dedicated to 200th anniversary of birth of Ivan Turgenev and 190th anniversary of birth of Lev Tolstoy.

The exhibition welcomes its visitors to have a tour around an extremely rich and diverse world of the Russian estate, its history, way of life, and architecture.

Many estates keep the memory of prominent figures or memorial events of the Russian culture. The theme of a gentry estate with its gardens and parks has been reflected in many works of Russian classic writers. According to Alexander Pushkin, the estate was a favorite place of leisure and work, “the shelter of serenity, works and inspiration”.

The central part of the exhibition features illustrated albums, guidebooks to famous architectural and park ensembles, literary estates, which build up the country’s national property and historical heritage. They are Arkhangelskoye, Kuskovo, Ostankino, Rozhdestveno, Znamenskoye-Rayek, Priyutino etc.

Researchers will take an interest in catalogues with maps of Kaluga and Ryazan estates. The catalogues feature alphabetical index of estates, the list of estates in particular districts, plans and photographs, information about owners and creators – architects, artists, sculptors and park constructors.

The exhibition’s two major sections highlight the great writers, whose anniversary dates of birth are celebrated this year, and whose estates had played an important part in their life and career: Spasskoye-Lutovinovo in Oryol District, present-day Ivan Turgenev State Memorial and Natural Museum-Preserve, and Yasnaya Polyana in Tula District – the Memorial and Natural Preserve “Lev Tolstoy Museum-Estate”. On display are materials from the Russian and Foreign Book and Magazine Collections of the National Library of Russia.

The exhibition will be open until September 2.