Picture Count Nikolay Rumyantsev’s grand mansion. It stands proudly on the Angliyskaya Naberezhnaya. This isn’t just any building. This is where Russia’s first public museum began.
Count Rumyantsev a true patron of the arts was a passionate collector. His home overflowed with treasures. Paintings ancient books state acts and seals filled every room. These impressive collections laid the groundwork for both the Moscow Public Museum and the Rumyantsev Museum. Today the restored mansion houses exhibits from the Museum of the History of St Petersburg.
The Rumyantsev Mansion’s story began long before the count. The first stone structure on this site was built in the 1740s for Grand Duke Mikhail Golitsyn. In 1802 Count Rumyantsev son of Ekaterina Golitsyna and the renowned military commander Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunayskiy acquired the property. He commissioned Vasiliy Glinka to reconstruct it. Glinka cleverly preserved the original proportions. However he dramatically altered the facade adding a stunning 12-column portico. The pediment boasts an impressive alto-relievo of Apollo on Parnassus. This scene is surrounded by the Nine Muses and their mother Mnemosyne. Symbols of science and art adorn the nearby areas. These elements reflect the count’s own passions. For this remarkable work Glinka was honored with the title of Academician of the Academy of Arts.
The Rumyantsev Mansion became a hub of intellectual activity. It was a true center for science and a temple of the muses. Count Rumyantsev amassed a vast collection. It included texts coins medals and ornaments. His extraordinary library contained 28500 books. Many were works by Russian scientists from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Russian chronicles and travelers’ journals were also included. Over 13000 volumes were in foreign languages. The count occupied only three rooms overlooking the Neva River. The rest of the magnificent building was dedicated to his priceless collection. Historians linguists and archivists worked within its walls. Lectures readings and concerts frequently took place in the mansion.
After the count’s death his brother Sergey continued his work. He opened the Rumyantsev Museum to the public in 1831. Remarkably entrance was free for everyone. Unfortunately in 1861 the museum’s collections were moved to Moscow. This was despite protests from St Petersburg residents. The collection found a new home in the Pashkov House. The Rumyantsev Mansion changed hands again. Architect Alexander Stepanov made further alterations. He was responsible for creating the state rooms. These include the impressive Oak Study the White Hall and the Concert Hall. The mansion then passed into the hands of Grand Duke Lev Kochubey.
Today the Rumyantsev Mansion continues to thrive. It serves as a branch of the Museum of the History of St Petersburg. Classical concerts still grace its halls on Sunday evenings. This grand mansion continues to resonate with the spirit of Count Rumyantsev a remarkable figure who transformed his home into a legacy for all of Russia. A legacy that lives on even today.