“What does ‘raznochinny’ mean?” someone asks looking at the sign. It is a question that gets to the heart of this museum. We are standing in front of \u0420\u0430\u0437\u043d\u043e\u0447\u0438\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0431\u0443\u0440\u0433, a memorial museum in St. Petersburg.
\u0420\u0430\u0437\u043d\u043e\u0447\u0438\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0431\u0443\u0440\u0433 explores the history of St. Petersburg’s “non-parade” side. It focuses on the lives of ordinary citizens. These were people from unprivileged classes. They were educated and lived on their own income. Think of students, teachers and minor officials. These raznochintsy shaped the city’s culture.
This museum is in a typical St. Petersburg building from the Pushkin era. It was built in 1825. The main theme here is the history of non-elite Petersburg in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In 2006, the museum was named \u0420\u0430\u0437\u043d\u043e\u0447\u0438\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0431\u0443\u0440\u0433, but its story stretches back further. In 1938, a museum apartment for Vladimir Ulyanov, also known as Lenin, opened here. It became a branch of The Central V. I. Lenin Museum.
Now, let’s step inside \u0420\u0430\u0437\u043d\u043e\u0447\u0438\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0431\u0443\u0440\u0433. The expositions offer a glimpse into different facets of life. The local lore exhibition is called “Around the Semenovsky Parade Ground”. It covers the historic district and its connection to Peter the Great.
Another exhibit showcases authentic items from the Agte family. This family survived the Siege of Leningrad. The “Blockade Room” exhibition tells their story.
On the third floor, visit the memorial room where Lenin once lived. The exhibition “Choosing a Path” details his journey to becoming a revolutionary.
From February 1894 to April 1895, Lenin rented a small room here. He lived in a three-room apartment with the Bode family. During this time, he worked as an assistant. His simple room cost 10 rubles a month. This included necessities like kerosene and tea.
Also, house number 7 has another notable connection. Vasily Muravyov lived here in 1894. He was a fur merchant. Later in life, he became Hieromonk Seraphim Vyritsky. The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him in 2000.
\u0420\u0430\u0437\u043d\u043e\u0447\u0438\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u041f\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0440\u0431\u0443\u0440\u0433 holds stories within its walls. It shows us the lives of those who shaped St. Petersburg. These people weren’t nobles or royalty. They were the heart and soul of the city.