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Where to Go: Abramtsevo Why to Go: Abramtsevo was once one of Russia's most influential art centers, and helped cultivate many of Russia's most famous movements and artists. It still houses a multitude of museums for the fine arts and the folk arts. Sample Itinerary: Abramtsevo is not exceptionally large and lends itself well to exploration. There are several museums, workshops, and a café (but bring food with you, in case they are closed) and lots of nice walks. You can leave in early afternoon and catch a bus to Sergeev Posad, then take the train back to Moscow, if you feel the need for highly efficient sightseeing. Budget: Better part of a day, 1000ru ($30) or less. How to Get There: Depart from the Yaroslavl train station (metro Komsomolskaya) in the morning. Take note that Yaroslavl station was built by Savva Mamontov and, although it has been remodeled, traces of the artists he befriended are still there. Take the commuter train (пригородный) - they have a special ticket counter - and get off when they call the Abramtsevo stop. Short History: Abramtsevo was an artist's colony founded to celebrate Russian traditional culture. In the process, it became a major reflection of contemporary Russian culture and a major contributor to that culture. The Abramtsevo Estate was originally owned by named Sergei Aksakov who used the dacha, just a short distance from Moscow and stone's throw from Russia's holiest holy site, Sergeev Posad, to write and think and host discussions with like-minded intellectuals on how best to revive traditional Russian culture and shake off western influence. In 1870 the estate was purchased by like-minded, though perhaps more democratic Savva Mamontov, who used the millions he made building railways into Moscow to throw open the doors of his estate to Russia's most promising artists. Much of the work that group constructed is still preserved on the estate. There is a quite unique Museum of Folk Art, housing authentic pieces collected from many of Russia's regions and other pieces, largely inspired by the authentic collection, that were created by great masters such as Vrubel. The Folk Art museum partly reflects what is still known as the Abramtsevo Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to raise handicraft to the level of high art. The main house is also just as was, "the best dacha in the world," according to Repin and which was the inspiration for the Anton Chekov's The Cherry Orchard estate. There is a "house on chicken legs," built by Apollinarius and Viktor Vasnetsov, which represents the traditional home of fabled witch Baba Yaga. Perhaps most impressive, however, is The Church of the Savior, an entire church designed and built in every detail, from icons to pulpit to traditional Russian stove, by such Russian greats as Repin, Polonev, Nesterov, the Vasnetsov brothers, and Vrubel. The estate and the colony continued to shape Russian artistic trends until WWI and the Russian Revolution shook Russia’s art world as much it did its social and political worlds. The estate is just a few hours from Moscow and can be seen in one day along with Sergeev Posad, if you are in a hurry. If not, both locations can easily be given a full day apiece. Internet Resources: Satellite map of Abramtsevo
SRAS Articles - Russian Crafts Tours the US (learn more about Abramtsevo artist Elena Polenova)
Skip Evans goes to Abramtsevo (a detailed account of one American's experience at Abramtsevo) Find Out More!
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