History and culture: The exhibition, dedicated to the culture of festival in Russia in the XVIII century, opened in Moscow

In the Grand Palace of the Museum-Reserve "Tsaritsyno" (Moscow) opened the exhibition "Royal funny lights. Culture of the festival in Russia of the XVIII century".

The exhibition is dedicated to amusing, or entertainment, lights, fire amusements - so called in the XVIII century fireworks. The exposition is intended as a show, entertainment in the spirit of the XVIII century. Space of the festival is created by a decoration of engravings and watercolors of the era (they can also be seen in the exhibition).

In the XVIII century light performances were arranged on certain occasions: coronation, weddings and birthdays reigning of persons, the New Year, military victory and the signing of peace treaties (the so-called "peaceful celebration", "Viktorian days") - each of these topics is in a separate room.

Fireworks of the time represented a unique work of art. Peter I, Elizabeth Petrovna, Catherine II appreciated funny lights not only for the splendor and luxury, but also for its ability to influence a wide range of audiences.

As the fireworks have been associated with gunpowder business, their organization is engaged in the Office of the artillery and fortification. By developing fire fun solicit the best minds of Russia: Mikhail Lomonosov, Ivan Kulibin, famous artists and architects. Engraved picture of the future of fireworks as the project submitted for approval by the customer. Over time they have become collector's items, thus preserved in museums and private collections.

The exhibits for the exhibition "Royal funny lights" are provided the State Russian Library, the State Pushkin Museum and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. The objects from the collections of the State Museum-Reserve "Tsaritsyno" are also exhibited.