About museum

The Dvoryaninovo estate museum is located on the site of the former ancestral manor of the well-known Russian scientist, writer and encyclopedist Andrey Timofeyevich Bolotov. He lived here for most of his 95 years, conducting plant-breeding experiments that became famous throughout Russia and greatly influenced the agricultural activities of his neighbors and the local peasants.

The estate museum was founded in 1988 for the scientist's 250th anniversary and opened to visitors in December 1993. The building stands on a high steep hill. The estate owner called this hill Mount Avenizer — the 'mountain of help'. In its depths he found useful minerals with which he treated urinary stone disease. On the slope of the hill by the house's southwest façade stands a monument to the estate's former owner.

The house museum presents an exhibition of the everyday life of the mid-sized landed gentry — the social estate to which Andrey Timofeyevich belonged. The museum consists of several halls. The Maiden's Hall acquaints the visitor with Andrey Timofeyevich and his era. On the wall are the 'Pugachev' display, the Bolotov family tree and the family coat of arms: in an azure shield, surmounted by a noble helmet and a crown with rich vegetal ornamentation, a golden cross and a silver crescent. In the hall you can see a life-size figure of a peasant girl — a 'decoy figure'. Such figures were popular in Russia at that time. They were made to create the effect of presence and were placed in the most unexpected spots: in the park, in the house.

The scholar's study is the heart of the Dvoryaninovo museum. "The most pleasant of all rooms for me was my study," Bolotov himself wrote. The cabinet contains many books in different languages. Andrey Timofeyevich was one of the most prolific Russian writers of fiction of the 18th century. His autobiographical notes, "Life and Adventures of Andrey Bolotov, described by himself for his descendants," are a true encyclopedia of life in 18th-century Russian society and a treasure trove of language. Leo Tolstoy called them 'most precious'.

Another treasure of the study is an 18th-century electrical machine, an apparatus that produces electric current. Bolotov treated patients by conducting electrotherapy sessions. On the desk are items he used: an inkwell with a goose quill, Alexandrian paper and other objects.

On the wall of the Living Room hang portraits of Bolotov and his wife Alexandra Mikhailovna Kaverina. Even before marrying, Bolotov saw a beautiful girl in a dream and immediately fell in love. Before the viewing he very much wanted the hypothetical bride to resemble the girl from his dream. When the young couple met, it turned out that it was indeed Alexandra he had dreamed of. They lived together for 70 years and had nine children.

The buffet room transports you to the distant era of the Enlightenment. During the owner's lifetime literary and musical evenings were held here, guests were entertained and home performances staged. Here stand a pianoforte and a cabinet grand piano: Andrey Timofeyevich was interested in music. The museum continues the tradition: in summer a free classical music concert is held here, where visitors come into contact with music