The renovation of the 18th century country estate once belonging to the famous Russian poet, Gavriil Derzhavin has been completed in Saint-Petersburg. 

 

The greenhouse was the last to be renewed, but not to its former image. Museum staff says Derzhavin showed keen interest in cultivating flowers and exotic plants. 

 

Nowadays his greenhouse holds exhibitions and was recently opened to its first showing. “The Golden Age in Portraits” by sculptor Alexey Arkhipov, was chosen for this occasion.

 

[Alexey Arkhipov, Sculptor]:

“I had some doubts about how it would turn out. But when I saw these curtains of delicate green, I understood – it was a success!” 

 

Bust-monuments of all famous poets and composers, as well as statues of ancient mythical characters were on display.

 

[Yuri Ivanenko, Arts Critic]:

“The combination of the sculptures of poets and mythical water-nymphs creates a special mood. It’s actually close to Russian poetic tradition, Pushkin tradition."

 

[Tamara Mishina, Pushkin Museum Office Manageress]:

“These sculptures are so beautiful; they are passionate. Besides they are white. It seems that there can be no passion in gypsum, marble or bronze, but there is a lot of passion in these works.”

 

The garden will be renewed by this coming summer, allowing visitors to walk through from the greenhouse to enjoy its recreated former splendor. There, as in the time of Derzhavin, visitors will be able to take a peaceful walk to experience a noble and leisurely way of spending time.  

 

NTD, Saint-Petersburg, Russia