Mineralogical Museum. Fersman. Mineralogical museum in Moscow

The first natural-scientific institution of the museum type in Russia was the Kunstkammer, founded by Peter the Great. In its composition, there was also an office where a collection of minerals was brought, brought by the emperor from Danzig. Over time, the number of exhibits increased, and it was decided to establish a separate Geological and Mineralogical Museum.

History (until 1934)

In 1725 the Mineralogical Cabinet of the Kunstkamera was placed under the jurisdiction of the Academy of Sciences, and its collection was actively replenished with new samples. MV Lomonosov took up their classification, and by 1754 he made a detailed catalog of exhibits of great scientific value. By the end of the XVIII century, their number reached 10 thousand, the majority were brought from expeditions that went to the unexplored corners of the Russian Empire, including Altai and Transbaikalia. Thus, in 1836 it was decided to establish a separate Mineralogical Museum. At the end of the XIX century, due to the prevalence in the collection of exhibits related to geology and paleontology, the main activity of this institution was changed. However, in 1912, under the leadership of such eminent scientists as V. Vernadsky, A. Fersman and V. Kryzhanovskii museum again became the main center of scientific work in the field of mineralogy in the Russian Empire. After the October Revolution , expeditions to various parts of the USSR were organized, and samples brought from there enriched scientific funds, making them one of the most interesting and extensive in the world. At the same time, the management of the museum was entrusted to Academician A. Fersman, whose contribution to the development of mineralogy can not be overestimated.

History (after 1934)

In 1934, together with the Academy of Sciences, the Mineralogical Museum moved to Moscow. He was placed in one of the historical buildings on the territory of the estate "Neskuchny Sad". It was conceived by Earl Orlov-Chesmensky at the beginning of the XIX century as an arena, later it was turned into a reception hall at the Alexandria Palace. In 1956 the Mineralogical Museum (Moscow) was named in honor of Academician A. Fersman, who more than 28 years (until his death) led this institution and made an invaluable contribution to its development.

Description

Mineralogical Museum. Fersmana has one large exhibition hall, occupying an area of 1.2 thousand square meters. It is divided into two parts, on which more than two dozen thematic expositions are deployed. In the first part, visitors will see the sections devoted to the history of the museum, the systematics of minerals and crystals, the processes of mineral formation, mineralogy of the Moscow region, meteorites, new minerals, etc. The second part of the hall is occupied by expositions: "Crystals of Five Continents", "Forms of Minerals in Nature, Precious and ornamental stones "," Diversity of mineral species ", as well as telling about some chemical elements, colors and physical properties of minerals. Although some museum visitors complain about his academicity or the fact that sometimes the description of the museum exhibit on closer inspection is typed, this has its own charm and style. After all, this scientific and educational institution was founded almost 300 years ago!

Mineralogical Museum. Fersmana: collections

Brilliant pebbles fascinated people since prehistoric times. Interesting beautiful stones were the very first adornments of mankind! Therefore, the most interesting is the collection of the museum, consisting of minerals having a pronounced crystalline structure. In total, it contains more than four and a half thousand samples representing crystals of seven systems, and minerals obtained synthetically.

Another very interesting collection is dedicated to meteorites. They are classified as minerals of extraterrestrial origin and are divided into iron, stone and iron-stone. Among them there are real giants, for example, a split meteorite Boguslavka, represented by two parts weighing 198.6 and 58.1 kilograms, or "Kainsaz", the total weight of fragments of which is 210 kg.

The most popular exposition

Mineralogical Museum. Fersman possesses an excellent collection of precious and ornamental stones, as well as products from them, causing great interest among visitors. In total there are 8 thousand samples. The main exhibits of this collection, which the museum is proud of (photo below), are a large malachite vase and luxurious works of art from the studios of the famous jewelry firm Carl Feberge, donated to the museum by private persons, or expropriated during the revolution.

Fersman Mineralogical Museum: how to get and ticket prices

To see the most extensive collection of minerals in Russia, you should go to Leninsky Prospekt, to the public transport stop "St. Alexis Hospital." From there you need to go to the side of the Neskuchny Garden and turn right. Opening hours: from 11.00 to 17.00. Mineralogical Museum. Fersman works from Wednesday to Sunday. "Adult" ticket costs 200 rubles, students, students and representatives of some other preferential categories will cost 100 rubles. In addition, every month on the first and last Wednesday the entrance for all comers is free. As far as excursions are concerned, a group of students, military personnel, pensioners and other beneficiaries will be charged 2,000 rubles, with the remaining adult citizens (a group of less than 15 people) paying 3000 rubles.

New Arrivals

The Moscow Mineralogical Museum (photo exhibits can not give a complete idea of the wealth of its collection), despite its advanced three hundred years of age and the vastness of the funds, can not remain unchanged. After all, science does not stand still, and new minerals are constantly being discovered. Among the latest acquisitions, one can mention clinochlor from the Korshunov mine (Irkutsk region), an amethyst 18 cm from Dalnegorsk, a meganite from Mexico, a luxurious amethyst gum with a height of 93 cm, a ten-centimeter corundum from the Urals, a unique red-orange Dalnegorsk quartz, Patagonian hematite, etc.

Reviews

The Mineralogical Museum of Moscow has for many years been of great interest to everyone who is interested in natural sciences. Judging by the reviews, visitors are never disappointed, as everything seen provokes admiration for the perfect creations of nature. In addition, many visitors note excellent knowledge of the subject and the erudition of guides who manage to deliver information in an accessible form even to those who have never before been fond of mineralogy.

Once in Moscow, be sure to visit the Fersman Museum, where you will meet with some of the most advanced and ancient natural formations.