The Novosibirsk State Art Museum is a prominent cultural institution in Siberia, housing an extensive collection that spans from 16th-century Russian religious icons to contemporary works. Established in 1958, the museum serves as a primary repository for regional art history, featuring significant holdings of 18th-century portraiture, 19th-century realism, and a substantial collection of Soviet-era paintings.
The museum is housed in a historic building that originally served as the Siberian Revolutionary Committee (Sibrevkom) headquarters, a notable example of constructivist-influenced architecture in the city center. Beyond its permanent exhibitions, the institution actively hosts traveling international exhibits and educational programs, functioning as a central hub for the visual arts in the Novosibirsk region.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Concrete, Stucco
- Civilization
- Soviet
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access
- Date(s)
- 1925-1926
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active museum
- Original Function
- Administrative headquarters (Sibrevkom)
- Key Figures
- Andrey Kryachkov
Establishment of the Collection
1958The museum was founded in 1958 as the Novosibirsk Regional Art Gallery. Its initial collection was formed through transfers from major central museums in Moscow and Leningrad, as well as acquisitions from local private collections.
Relocation to the Sibrevkom Building
1982In 1982, the museum moved into its current premises, the former Sibrevkom building. Designed by the renowned architect Andrey Kryachkov, the building is a significant architectural monument of the early Soviet period.
Modern Development
1990s-PresentFollowing the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the museum expanded its scope to include contemporary art and international collaborations. It continues to undergo periodic renovations to modernize its exhibition spaces and climate control systems.
Cultural Significance
The museum is the primary institution for preserving the artistic heritage of Western Siberia. It plays a critical role in regional identity by documenting the transition of Siberian art from traditional religious iconography to the socialist realism of the 20th century. It remains the most important venue for public engagement with fine arts in the Novosibirsk Oblast.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing academic discussion regarding the attribution of several anonymous 18th-century portraits within the collection, as well as debates concerning the preservation of the building's original constructivist interior versus the requirements of modern museum display standards.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Visitors are requested to leave large bags in the cloakroom.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are recommended to avoid weekend crowds. The museum is particularly active during the annual 'Night of Museums' event in May.
Photography
Non-commercial photography is permitted without flash. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior authorization from the administration.
Nearby POIs
7 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]Architecture of Novosibirsk: The Sibrevkom Building — S.N. Balandin. Nauka Publishing (1986)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Concrete, Stucco
- Civilization
- Soviet
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access