Irina, tell us, how did you become a collector?
In the 2000s there were many collectors of various items among my relatives and acquaintances. Once I brought back souvenirs from a trip abroad: a camel for my sister, a porcelain cup for my aunt and a magnet in the shape of a red cow for an acquaintance who collected domestic animals. After some time he returned it to me, explaining that the red cow didn't suit him design‑wise. That's how the first magnet appeared on my refrigerator. Then I began to collect vinyl magnets from dairy products of a well‑known Russian brand. I've loved milk since childhood — I used to go to the daytime milking with the herd and could easily drink half a canister of fresh milk, for which I earned the nickname “milk alcoholic.” When the magnets numbered more than ten, I joined the “Magnitiki.ru” community, where, to my surprise, there turned out to be many interesting people of various professions: doctors, engineers, teachers and creative professionals.
The magnet that started Irina Bochkova's collection
We met with forum members every month and these meetings took place in a very warm and cheerful atmosphere. At some point the collectors came up with the idea of organizing a traveling exhibition of magnets in children's hospitals in Moscow. Unfortunately, that idea was unfeasible because certificates of quality were required for exhibitions in medical institutions. Then I decided to show my collection at a school.
Thanks to my teaching experience I managed to make my traveling exhibitions increasingly spectacular and interesting for children. Later I was invited to several district libraries, and… it took off. Among the exhibitions in which I took part, the “Ladybugs” exhibition held at the State Darwin Museum particularly stands out for me. And frequent meetings in various collectors' associations taught me how to present my collection in an engaging way.
How did the idea of creating the Mu-Museum come about?
The idea of creating the Mu‑Museum was suggested by collectors and friends who helped me promote the collection. I helped one of the collectors participate at an exhibition in Sokolniki organized by the Association of Private Museums and Collectors. That exhibition featured the Goat Museum, the Frog Museum and other successful museum projects. I wanted to present my collection at the same level, but I understood that it would require a lot of time and effort.
Irina Bochkova with soft exhibits
How many exhibits are currently on display in the museum?
It's very, very difficult to count the exact number of exhibits. The collection grows almost daily! The approximate figure as of today is 30,000 exhibits. The collection includes puzzles, figurines, soft toys, piggy banks, tableware, postcards, calendars, stickers, books and magnets.
Display cases with exhibits
Display cases with exhibits
Can you highlight a few items from the collection that hold special value for you?
Several items are of special value to me. Without a doubt, it's the first magnet which, as it turned out after 20 years, was not a cow at all but a horse. It doesn't matter who or what is the progenitor of your collection — what matters is that the collection exists and brings joy not only to me but also to visitors.
I also adore the work of Bogorodsk craftsmen. A month ago I was presented with a rare toy called “Razvod.” It's a whole herd with a shepherd, a milkmaid and a boy.
I really love the ladybug that my granddaughter gave me with the words: “Grandma, but a ladybug is also a cow!” And, of course, all the original works by dollmakers who created exhibits for the Mu‑Museum exhibition.
The Mu‑Museum's diverse exhibits
The Mu‑Museum's diverse exhibits
The Mu‑Museum's diverse exhibits
The Mu‑Museum's diverse exhibits
Where can the collection be seen?
At the moment the collection is divided into parts and exhibited in different cities. Part of the collection is displayed in Smolensk at the entrance to the central Lopatin Garden; other parts are at the Sechenov Sanatorium in the Moscow‑region town of Zvenigorod; in the Historical and Art Museum of the town of Gus‑Khrustalny; at the Vesyolaya Korova ("Happy Cow") farm in the Ramensky district; and at “Tarakanovo — The Magic Land” in the Solnechnogorsky district. In Moscow the collection is presented at MAP (Moscow Association of Entrepreneurs) near Rimskaya metro station.
The Mu‑Museum exhibition in Smolensk
What tour programs are available?
The main program is called “Mu‑Museum Awaits Friends.” I lead tours for families, children, teenagers and adults.
Can you share your plans for the future?
I have a ton of plans, but not enough energy... I would like to take part in the “Unique Russia” exhibition from May 2 to 12. In April–May I'm invited to the Mstyora Art Museum in the Vladimir Region. On June 26 and 27 I would really like to attend the 11th Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia. From August 2 to September 29 I'm invited to the town of Gorokhovets in the Vladimir Region. In the autumn I plan to attend the traditional congress of the International Union of Collectors in the town of Protvino.
