Moscow Daily Photo

Kremlin Domes, Framed

2012-01-26T19:00:00.000+04:00

The view of Kremlin domes through the window in Tretiakov's art Gallery Engineer Building. On the left there is a reflection of the chandelier inside the spiral staircase:

Doorknobs

2012-01-24T19:00:00.000+04:00

These cafe doorknobs caught my attention. It is always pleasure to find fine details in new buildings decoration, to change the opinion that modern architecture ignores decorative details.

Demidov's Mansion

2012-01-22T19:00:00.000+04:00

The mansion of merchant Demidov was constructed in 1777, renovated to the present appearance in 1820. The building hosts Scientific Library of Pedagogic.

Google map.

Details

2012-01-16T18:11:00.000+04:00

The lesson learned here: "Never feel lazy to raise your head or you miss something interesting".
Well, neck rotations are always useful.

Big Bird

2012-01-14T18:06:00.000+04:00

Big Bird over the city.
Clouds as the developers of fantasy vision.

Kremlin

2012-01-12T18:06:00.000+04:00

I was browzing through my grey winter photos and decided to decorate the blog with a bit of red.
But I did not want you to be confused, so here I enclosed the original version, too.

Red October

2012-01-10T17:58:00.000+04:00

I liked the decoration of this jewelry shop.
The photo was made at "Krasny October", ex-pastry factory, now the place inhabited by galleries, studios, boutiques.

Moscow Coloures

2012-01-08T17:52:00.000+04:00

In the grey of Moscow winter I can not refuse to make a photo of the coloured scene if I see one.

Dostoevsky in the City

2012-01-06T17:46:00.000+04:00

The monument to Dostoevsky near "Leninka" (to the right) the largest library in the country.
Christmas tree will be here till mid January, when we celebrate New Year on 14th January (Russian old calendar).
Not much snow here and temperature dances around zero.

When preparing this post, I read that this monument was ordered by Russian nouveau-riche as his country house decoration(!). But the customer did not like the design and presented the monument to the city. And it was decided to place Fedor Michailovich near the library.

In December I went to Georgia, my father's birthplace. Here, in my other blog, I posted several photos and few facts about the country. Maybe the post will be interesting for you.

And Merry Christmas to Orthodox Christians today!

Theme Day: Photo of the Year 2011

2012-01-01T23:51:00.002+04:00

It is easy to choose the photo when you know what to look for: summer, church onions, university building, river, metro-bridge.
Where is it?
Moscow!

Thank you for your warmest greetings and interest to this blog!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:30:00.000+04:00

Valenki - is the best winter footwear for centuries in Russia. Made of felted lamb wool it is the guatantee of warmth and comfort in cold winter days. Best in the snow, rubbers added during wet weather. Still very popular in the country and around Moscow.

As you see, can be used as Christmas tree decoration too. I made this photo in October, waited for the occasion to make a post)))

Happy New Year!

Gallery Window

2011-12-29T23:30:00.000+04:00

Quick glimpse into the window of art gallery, located in the basement at Arbat street and decorated for winter holidays. Fairy-tale world.

Kremlin

2011-12-26T23:34:00.000+04:00

Winter in Kremlin, one more view from Alexandrovsky garden.

Snow

2011-12-24T13:55:00.001+04:00

Snow arrived at last. And though it was late by almost 2 months, it showed us that it planned to stay for long. Feels good - fresh, clean and a little chilly.

The photo from Alexandrovsky garden near Kremlin.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
My warmest congratulation to you and yours!

Windows

2011-12-18T21:30:00.000+04:00

The windows of the church of Sergey Radonezhsky in Rogozhskaya Sloboda.
You can read more about church's history in English here.

Headquaters of Moscow Military District

2011-12-16T19:30:00.000+04:00

At the end of 18th century the building was constructed for the needs of military ministry. It includes offices and warehouses, architect Legrand (as member of city construction plan of 1775) introduced new ideas in the building architecture, corner towers connected the sides of the building, the main facade faced the river which was unusual for the city in 18th century.

The bunker in the inside yard of the square building was the place where Lavrenty Beria was executed.
(The source of the info and map is www.wikimapia.org)

Fusion

2011-12-13T16:30:00.000+04:00

I hope this young and large one is polite and careful neighbor.
At Vorontsovskaya street.

Grey Day's Beauties

2011-12-11T17:00:00.000+04:00

The view from ~~Gorky Street~~ Tverskaya at Historical museum.
Red Square and Kremlin are behind the historical museum building.

My posts are scheduled, not much activity in the blog.
I am so glad that people are at the streets at last.
Links to the photos of the Saturday in Moscow are here:
http://raskalov-vit.livejournal.com/122111.html
http://www.ridus.ru/news/14365/
http://zyalt.livejournal.com/492713.html

City of Contrasts

2011-12-09T17:47:00.000+04:00

When I was a school girl and learned English, we had several topics to study in our English class. "London - city of contrasts" and "New York - city of contrasts" were among them. They were about rich cities where poor proletariat was suffering and struggling for the lives and piece of bread in luxury world of bourgeoisie.

I thought about my school time yesterday, when I took an excursion to GUM, our oldest and most famous shopping mall, located on the other side of Red square from Kremlin.

And then I saw it, in the middle of GUM passage. The Christmas tree decorated with the winter bird house made of milk carton from 70-ties (then it was the only milk opportunity we had in the shops) - in front of the luxury shop glass window.

Backyards

2011-12-06T17:39:00.000+04:00

Very unusual in modern Moscow and very typical in the city of 2nd half of 19th century design of the balconies combined with entrance doors (gallery house, they name it). I found it in the backyard at 4, Pokrovka. Love it.

Google map.

Street Lamp in Knitted Coat

2011-12-04T17:27:00.001+04:00

I have recently read about the knitted decorations of lamps, benches and pergolas in the renovated Gorky park as the reminder that the winter was almost here.
I stopped to check the place this Saturday. I am not sure if the street lamps feel warmer, but colors are great joy for the eyes in grey Moscow November.

Theme Day: Action Shot

2011-12-01T16:17:00.001+04:00

Action is in full speed. Man sells the lottery tickets and advertises through megaphone, woman looks at me suspiciously, the group of three.. - I do not know what they are doing near the "lost expectations" table.

The shot was taken near "Arbatskaya" metro station.

You can see other "Theme day" participants here.

I very much appreciate your comments and attention and support, thank you so much.
Still it looks like my activity here is and will be dropping in nearest future. So please forgive me for almost no feed back, you are in my heart, believe me.

Moscow Underground

2011-11-23T18:26:00.000+04:00

Station Smolenskaya

The Window

2011-11-21T18:18:00.000+04:00

Close look at the church window.

Arcwise

2011-11-19T18:11:00.000+04:00

Arcwise glass roof of the ground Manezh shopping mall, decorated with fountain.

Neighbors

2011-11-17T18:08:00.000+04:00

That is Moscow: the fusion.

Between Earth and Sky

2011-11-15T18:04:00.000+04:00

I wonder which building these three apartments belong to. Or do they have their own postal address?

Ministry of Defence

2011-11-14T17:52:00.001+04:00

Church near Ministry of Defence

Friends, thank you so much for your comments and feed back. I appreciate every word you send me.

As I do not want to stop this blog, but have no much time for it, I decided to keep posting the photos of Moscow but in more formal way, cutting my comments and researches in city history. Let's see how it will turn out!
Meanwhile I keep looking for co-bloggers, located in Moscow.

Posted by Irina.

Sunny Day in November

2011-11-06T19:41:00.001+04:00

Yesterday it was amazing sunny autumn day.

I want to ask my readers to pardon me for the absence and occasional posts.

I do not manage to post on daily basis and that is why I will be glad if someone of my Moscow located readers will be interested to join this photoblog and to post Moscow photos together with me. If you want to be in, please leave your comment here and I will contact you or please send me a message.

Posted by Irina

Petrol Pump from the Past

2011-11-02T23:48:00.000+04:00

This petrol pump is located in the heart of the city, at Volkhonka. It keeps the design of 1930ties and always stays empty. I discovered it on my way to art exhibition and googled for the details later: only once in a while the Kremlin government cars are allowed here to get fuel, admission by pass.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Theme day: Fences

2011-11-01T15:53:00.004+04:00

1st November and community theme is "Fences".
This fence was born in 1899 and encloses the yard of the beautiful old apartment building.
Photo of the same fence from the outside:

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Posted by Irina.

Et Cetera

2011-10-30T19:57:00.000+04:00

The building constructed in 2005 for the "Et Cetera" theater. I read at theater's site that the idea of the building appearance was offered by theater's art director (most of our theaters have permanent buildings, director, troupe and repertory). Mr. Kaliagin wanted to mix all the architectural styles to symbolize the variety of theater's world. Yes, it looks very various...

Site of "Et Cetera" theater.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Lines to Museums

2011-10-29T23:49:00.001+04:00

The very long line is forming every day for almost two month to see the works of Salvador Dali in Pushkin's art museum, despite of cold and wind of Moscow autumn. I am proud for Muscovites!

As for me, after this photo, I went to "the private collections" part of the museum (Site in Eng) to see Annie Leibovitz exhibition on ground floor. It was great experience. She is genius.
The number of visitors was very big too, I'm posting photo made at the closing time.
First and second floors are presenting Kandinsky and his group. So interesting. I promise to show them to you in nearest weeks.

Posted by Irina.

Library

2011-10-28T00:32:00.001+04:00

A week ago my friend and I talked about the libraries in Moscow. Our latest "library experience" happened long ago, when we were students. So now we were not sure at all if (after all the changes in building policy, economics, education during last 20 years) libraries survived.
Besides, digital book readers became so popular and user-friendly with widest possibilities in books depository.
So I was glad to see today that the Turgenev's library at Bobrov side-street has all the lights on and many people attending.
It was constructed in 1885 and dedicated to writer Ivan Turgenev. It was the first generally accessible, free of charge library in the city. These days anyone with passport can sign up to the library.

Site of Turgenev's Library (in Rus).

And then I found the list of 283(!) libraries in the city. Good.

Do you go to the library? Are there many libraries in your city?

Google map.

Here I used "panorama" feature of my camera. And combined photos in Photoshop. Sorry for beginner's mistakes.

Posted by Irina.

Architecture: Stalin's Empire

2011-10-25T19:30:00.000+04:00

The buildings of the period between 1933 - 1955 was later named "Stalin's Empire Style" in architecture and were combining classic look with Baroque decorations. Famous "seven sisters" were constructed in this style. Made of brick masonry.

Wiki about architecture of Stalin's period.

Posted by Irina.

Graffiti

2011-10-23T22:30:00.000+04:00

Most of the graffiti I see on the city's walls do not inspire me to make a photo. But the waiter standing with his tea tray between the door and the window of the cafe looked so peaceful and human that the photo was urgently done.
Sorry for the cropped image, I did not want to include the autos.

Posted by Irina

Teremok

2011-10-23T00:12:00.000+04:00

"Terem" (from "Teremnon" in Greek) in ancient Russian architecture is the richly decorated upper floor of the prince's mansion. "Teremok" is the smaller, fairy tale version of the building.

The mansin at the photo is office building, constructed in 1852 and located in the center of city center.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Face to Face

2011-10-19T23:20:00.001+04:00

October is in the city. Days are grey and the sky is low. Rainy, but warm. City is coming to standstill in traffic jams and rain drops.

This narrow and short side street has two beautiful churches facing each other. I wonder if they compete in chiming.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Elite Mansion

2011-10-17T23:10:00.001+04:00

"Elite mansion for sale/rent" is written on the banner, hanging on this brick building. Is anyone here interested to buy?

I am a bit in a hurry these days, please forgive me for not visiting your lovely blogs!

Posted by Irina.

Tatlin

2011-10-14T21:18:00.001+04:00

125 years ago V.Tatlin, the founder of Russian Constructivist art was born. Exhibition in Tretiakov gallery at Krimsky val shows 60 of his works of 2 decades in the beginning of 20th century.
(here you see the costume and playbill of the V.Khlebnikov's "Zangezi", directed, set designed and played by Tatlin, Tatlin's head sculpture and entrance poster with one of his paintings on it).

Bonus photo shows the view from the gallery window.

Wiki about Tatlin (Eng).

Posted by Irina.

Prechistenka

2011-10-11T18:46:00.000+04:00

This 3 window house is jammed between the 19th century apartment house on the left and Embassy of Luxemburg (being renovated at a moment) on the right, at the small Khruschev's side-street near Prechistenka. Amazing how this kind of buildings manages to survive.
I like its eyebrows.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Zachatievsky Convent

2011-10-10T00:15:00.002+04:00

I know that the number of churches in this blog is overwhelming, that it is not religious blog, that Moscow is big enough to find objects for interesting photos in thousands places, but I post the photo of church again. Just can not help it. So beautiful in the setting autumn sun.

The man in orange t-shirt is worker from Uzbekistan, Central Asia. So many of them are wage labourers in Moscow, doing simple and cheap work, cleaning, restoring, improving the city. I can not imagine how Moscow look without them in yards, roads and streets.

The church belongs to Zachatievsky convent. The convent was founded in 1584, plundered and closed in 1925 and resumed in 1995.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Prechistenka

2011-10-09T00:30:00.001+04:00

Today the weather was very kind, again. Sunny, warm and golden. I took a walk along Ostozhenka and Prechistenka streets, still full of architectural treasures (though the Golden Rain of 1990ties washed away so many priceless historical and cultural rarities, exchanged them to comfort and novelty).

I will keep posting my today's sunny catch during next week, though they promise sharp change in the weather in nearest future.

Google maps.

Posted by Irina.

Novy Manezh

2011-10-07T20:24:00.000+04:00

"New Manezh" building was constructed in 1888 in pseudo-Russian style, popular in the end of 19th century by the "Society of electrical lighting". It served as power station and provided 120 Volt power for users delivering electricity through underground cables.
Since 1897, when the more powerful station was constructed on the other bank of Moskva-river, this building was abandoned and used as garages.

In 1995 ex-major Luzhkov transferred it to the possession of Ministry of culture and the building became art gallery "Novy Manezh".

Site of the gallery in Russian.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Old Wooden House

2011-10-06T18:06:00.000+04:00

Another one "Izba type" wooden building, survived 1917 revolution and modern times renovations.

Why road sign is crooked? I have possible explanation. Only one year ago according to the law the pedestrians became the priority at the road, instead of vehicles (cars should stop and allow people to cross the road). The new rule causes a lot of accidents at the roads when drivers stop abruptly to let people go and the following cars bump into them. Pedestrian's life has never been easy in Moscow..

Google map.
Posted by Irina.

Beware of the Dog!

2011-10-05T15:40:00.001+04:00

Beware, fierce dog! (or "Beware of the fierce dog") - the sign can be read with both meanings.
The idea is to keep strangers away from the mysterious "something" behind this fence, in the yard of warehouse. Old Soviet signs are still popular here. I wonder if they are effective.
I head no dogs barking, though.

Posted by Irina.

Cafe

2011-10-03T17:30:00.000+04:00

The tiny cafe at Nikitsky boulvard. 6 small tables, coffee smell, shop in the basement, and the blackboards, full of notes, sketches, thoughts, announcements, full of moments of life.

Link to cafe's website.
Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Autumn Sky

2011-10-02T12:14:00.000+04:00

I think that only in autumn you can see here this combination of bright sunny color and dark dramatic sky. On a special object.
Archangelskoe, mid-September.

Posted by Irina.

Theme day: Mystery Object

2011-10-01T12:13:00.002+04:00

Mathematics mystery object is hanging on wall. Pythagoras could be puzzled.

"Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday you buy 2 drinks and get the 3rd one for free (only in VIP-area!)"

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Under the Bridge

2011-09-30T16:46:00.000+04:00

I keep on posting the geometry of the city. Today the geometry is under the bridge at Andreevskaya Embankment. These massive piers hold the lately constructed highway, 3rd transport ring, that's how it looks from above the bridge:

Posted by Irina.

Restaurant View

2011-09-29T15:05:00.000+04:00

The breathtaking view from the top floor of "Sputnik" hotel. Indian restaurant is located there and, if you like Indian cuisine like I do, welcome to the place, to enjoy food, hospitality and the view.

The site of the restaurant. The place was full and many visitors were native Indians, which I always considered to be good sign for national cuisines in Moscow.

Sorry for the quality of the photo (my hands and air conditioned in the right corner), I was too mesmerized by the view to notice these "details"..

Posted by Irina.

Geometry

2011-09-28T21:48:00.000+04:00

In case the new followers of this blog start thinking that Moscow is the city of parks and churches, I post today another facet of city's individuality.

I spotted this geometry unexpectedly, while driving slowly along the Leninskaya Sloboda street (yes, Lenin is still with us, in street names, monuments and underground decorations).

Google map for Luis.

Posted by Irina.

Autumn Colors

2011-09-27T20:57:00.000+04:00

Autumn colors in the park near Novodevichy Convent.

Posted by Irina.

Sun and Rain

2011-09-25T00:58:00.000+04:00

Sun and rain at the same time happened at Gorki park in the beginning of September.

Posted by Irina.

Update to my previous post: I made mistake when identified the old auto, it was Gaz-21 Volga, not Moskvich. Sorry and thanks to Anonymous who corrected me.

Rarities

2011-09-22T15:06:00.000+04:00

I can not find any info about this building, but, hopefully, it is one of the 18 century rarities (not the stylization, Moscow was filling with during last decades), which form the beautiful facades of Bolshaya Ordinka street.
At least it felt as very cozy and warm old place when I sat there with my coffee yesterday evening.

When I left the building, I saw another rarity nearby also kept in very good shape. "Moskvich" auto. It was launched during 1957-1963, 50% of the cars exported, there were even right-hand drive models.

These two look good together.

Wiki about "Moskvich".

The building at the daylight.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Souvenirs

2011-09-19T22:34:00.001+04:00

These treasures are shining in the showcases in the passages of Expocentre, exhibition complex. You can buy or be blinded by glitter or make a photo, as I did.

Expocentre (ENG).

Posted by Irina.

Orchestra in Archangelskoe

2011-09-19T01:54:00.000+04:00

My Georgian brother arrived to Moscow and I decided to show him my favorite estate and green place 20 km from the city, Archangelskoe. The mansion (beginning of 18century) belonged to dynasty of prince Galitzine.

The orchestra was playing marches, bringing us back to the old times and inspiring for small dance. You see the reflection of the main prince's building in the windows of the temporary construction behind the musicians.

And a bit of march music today for you, too.

Wiki about Archangelskoe.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Bauhaus in Gorki Park

2011-09-18T00:03:00.000+04:00

Renovation of Gorki park includes the construction of new open-air cinema. You see here the back side of the screen. According to the explanations of the Bauhaus architect (you can see her in the photo), the screen will be rolled up between the movies, so the audience would enjoy the greenery decoration.

I have to be back there in December..

Google map.

Wiki about Bauhaus.

Posted by Irina.

September Evening

2011-09-16T12:25:00.000+04:00

Yesterday we had amazing sky over calm and still September city in the evening. At Fadeeva street.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.
My photo was overcast, I tried to correct it in Photoshop, so please be indulgent.

Windows

2011-09-14T15:14:00.000+04:00

Reflections of the rainy day.

Now I plan to go to see your blogs' posts. I am really busy these days, but promise to visit every blog, as it is pleasure, not duty.

Posted by Irina.

Street View

2011-09-09T21:01:00.000+04:00

"When I need money, I simply take it" says "Die Hard" (that's how we call Bruce Willis here) near the Church of Prelate Nikolay in Pizhi. Moscow mix)).

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Gorki Park

2011-09-08T22:23:00.000+04:00

Gorki park was renovated and they installed wooden stage where people could relax and enjoy the river view.

Gorki park.

Posted by Irina.

City in September

2011-09-07T13:04:00.003+04:00

View from observation point I discovered few days ago (Google map here).

Posted by Irina.

Former Andreevsky Monastery

2011-09-06T11:01:00.001+04:00

Today I show you round the former Andreevsky monastery. First mention in the chronicles dated 13 - 14 century.

The patron of monastery, Fedor Rtishev, in XVII century organized here the school, which became the prototype of "Slavonic-Greek-Latin Academy" and Moscow University later. In 1731 academy was taken from Andreevsky monastery. The place was transformed into a shelter for foundlings and homeless children, in 1764 here they arranged the almshouse.

Since 1924 the rooms were used as apartments, later some scientific research institute was located here.

The buildings were returned to Orthodox church in 1992, at a moment the Orthodox library is open here for the readers.

Located near one of the largest Moscow highways on one side and Moskva-river on the other side, the place is surprisingly peaceful and quiet. It is small and thoughtfully decorated with flowers and trees. I highly recommend to visit if(when) you are in Moscow.

Recently restored church

Library

View from the observation point I showed you yesterday.

Top view was taken from here.

Google map.

Posted by Irina

Observation Point

2011-09-05T10:19:00.000+04:00

This Saturday I found new (for me) observation point (Google map link is further).

About the September as the best time for weddings: Why September? Tradition which started long ago. It was very pragmatical: they marry in September when the harvest is collected. The baby is born in May. So when the time comes for agricultural work in the fields, newly mother is ready and the work does not suffer from her absence.

Observation point on Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Wedding time

2011-09-04T12:26:00.000+04:00

September is month of weddings.

Moscow Zoo

2011-09-03T13:10:00.001+04:00

Moscow Zoo.
Founded in 1864 and located in the center of the city it is joy and great possibility to be reminded that we are the part of nature.

Moscow Zoo's site in Russian.

Moscow Zoo in Wiki (English).

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Perspective

2011-09-01T22:01:00.001+04:00

Perspectives for this forest and pond are to become the part of Moscow soon, though at a moment they are located 30 km (18 miles) away from the city.

In June 2011 the President of Russia announced the idea to expand the city borders and to create "capital federal district".

On July, 11th new Moscow mayor Sobjanin and the governor of Moscow suburbs Gromov presented the preliminary plan of expansion of borders of capital. The total area will cover 160 hectares (395 acres), the city will become twice bigger.

The plan provides the addition of the territory limited from two sides by the Warsaw and Kiev highway, and with the third - the big ring railway.

The aim of the project is to move the government structures out of the city center and to solve the problem of traffic jams.

This image is from Moscow government site (here).

Looks like I will have much more opportunities for daily photographing soon.

Posted by Irina.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Monument

2011-08-30T11:31:00.000+04:00

I saw this installation when driving back to Moscow along the Minskoe road.
The bottle is full with parts of the cars which were damaged in the accidents committed by drunken drivers. Impressing.

Summer, Goodbye..

2011-08-29T00:53:00.001+04:00

Goodbye, dear summer, you are almost over.

Photo made in Arkhangelskoe, 10km from Moscow.

Posted by Irina.

House with Character

2011-08-28T00:13:00.000+04:00

When I see this outhouse at 19, Staraya Basmannaya street (Google map here), built in 1902 and survived revolutions, wars and Soviet architecture plans, I realize that my city is not easy target..
The black line in the low middle of the photo happened to be the car antenna, sorry.

Posted by Irina.

Poetry Around

2011-08-26T21:16:00.001+04:00

Today I was walking to the meeting in Moscow-City skyscrapers. The important negotiations were waiting for me ahead and I felt a bit nervous. Then I say this lines on the building under construction and realized the words could be some sort of sign to me.

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

Rudryad Kipling, fragment from "If"

As usual, internet has all answers. These lines were ordered for placement by S.Polonsky, the owner of the Moscow-City and "Mirax Group" company. It was one of the biggest construction companies before crisis hit in 2008. This spring Polonsky announced that the company was closed and he was no more considered as businessman. However he promised to fulfil his obligations and to pay his debts.
The placement of these lines, according to Mr. Polonsky, shows the present position of the company...(I took info here)

Posted by Irina.

PS. Ashira, my co-blogger, does not post here for three weeks. I write to Ashira to ask about her plans on "Moscow Daily Photo" project. I get no answer, but I hope that she is fine and someday will join me here with her "Memories about Moscow" photo-posts. Meanwhile I plan to keep blogging, but I am sorry if my posts do not happen on daily basis.

Poetry in the Subway

2011-08-25T17:40:00.000+04:00

Few days ago late in the evening I was returning home by subway. And saw the stickers with poems of Francesco Petrarca on the carriage walls, in two languages together with the biography of the poet.

That's what I read: The train "Poetry in the Underground" is the unique project, aiming to make poetry treasures closer to the passengers, traveling underground. Project started in November 2010 with the publication of Chilean poetry as dedication to 200 years of independence of Chile.
2011 is the year of Russian-Italian friendship, so the walls of the cars have stickers with poems of Petrarca, Dante Alighieri and other famous Italian poets.

The train was discovered at Filiovskaya (light blue) line, Alexandrovsky Sad-Mezhdunarodnaya stations.

Posted by Irina.

Yard of Moscow Modern Art Museum

2011-08-22T23:15:00.002+04:00

The yard of Moscow Modern Art Museum is decorated by Z.Tsereteli, Georgian painter and sculptor's, iron people. A piece of Eastern market, where they sell, buy and exchange news is presented by almost two dozens of individual figures.

They are live, special, interesting, made with love and, believe me, they very well represent Georgian character.
Mr. Tzereteli worked in Moscow during the previous city major, they were close friends, and the city was very often (sometimes too much) decorated with works of this artist..

Now, when major changed, they discuss the possibility to remove all Tsereteli's works from the remarkable places in the city, he gets huge amount of negative critique. I hope no art work would be destroyed as we already had the destruction precedent in revolutionary 1917 and it taught us strong lesson.
I feel sorry for Mr. Tsereteli. He is very good artists and talented sculptor. His story has moral for any artist - try to stay independent, friends with authorities can be very self-destroying.

Posted by Irina.

I do not want to sound too serious today, so if you are crazy about cats as I am, I will be glad to share the link I received from my friend with you (link).

Mosaics

2011-08-20T19:41:00.000+04:00

These rosettes (diameter about 40cm, 16") show us the churches which were destroyed by revolution in the Ordinka district. I saw them as decoration of the boring rectangular building of phone station at Ordinka street and I decided to join them in one post.

Goggle map.

Posted by Irina.

6, Gositalny street

2011-08-18T23:59:00.001+04:00

That is how it works in Moscow. You can be at very busy avenue, with aggressive traffic and inattentive speedy people. But then, suddenly, you turn the corner and you get to some calm and empty street, as if you stepped into 19 or even 18th century.

Today's photo is the proof. The "Widows' house" was built in 1902 and belonged to "Brotherhood community" set of buildings in "Lefortovo" district. The community supported the poor or supplied with cheap apartments. About 40 flats were occupied by widows and orphans. The house looks very Russian with its style and colors.

The building was constructed in Mr.McGill's memory, with financial support of his widow, rich philanthropist Mrs. Jane McGill.

That's what I found at the "Old Moscow" site (in my translation, so I am sorry for the roughness) :
McGill is family name of Scottish entrepreneurs, owners of construction and concrete making companies in Russia. Mrs. McGill organized English kindergarten and library in her house. Family sponsored the construction of Anglican church (1882-1885); the church's priest-house (1894); the house in the above photo (1902-1903); dormitory of English and American governesses at Spiridonovka street (1902-1904).

At a moment, due to the sign board, "Complex center of social service "Lefortovo" is located here, whatever it means.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Summer Mood

2011-08-16T21:06:00.000+04:00

Andrei Rublev is watching the girls who are blowing bubbles in the park near Andronikov monastery.

Andrei Rublev was famous Russian icon painter and served in Andronikov's monastery where he died and was buried. The monument dates from 1985.

If you are interested in Russian history and Russian mentality, I highly recommend you to watch "Andrei Rublev" by Andrei Tarkovsky, I consider it one of the strongest films about Russians (besides other topics raised in this film).

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Full Moon

2011-08-14T23:57:00.000+04:00

The full moon is ruling over the city, adding silver light and misterious shadows.

Posted by Irina.

In case you do not know, I learned today: How to remove noise from evening photo in "Photoshop":
1. Open photo in Photoshop.
2. Menu: Filter - noise - remove noise - play with figures - voila!
2 steps - this is my kind of instructions))

Group Activities

2011-08-02T10:23:00.000+04:00

I do not know their destination but they looked like very happy and absorbed in the activity group of people.
Nice substitution for car driving!

I take a break in blogging till middle of August, please be fine and enjoy the every bit of summer!

Posted by Irina.

Postcard-worthy

2011-08-01T23:56:00.029+04:00

Is this view postcard-worthy?
I am sorry if you were waiting for St.Basil's Cathedral but get the view from Yauzsky boulvard instead. But this postcard is so Moscow-ish, with greens, cables, church, 18th century and mid 20th century buildings, and with the most interesting sky in the background..

I anticipate with pleasure my visits to CDP blogs, specially today, to see your contributions to theme day and to enjoy every minute of the visit!

Posted by Irina.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Onion Domes and Brick Buildings

2011-07-31T10:05:00.000+04:00

Brick buildings, apartment blocks, an overly large Mercedes-Benz logo which sits atop one of the apartment blocks, a star from one of the Kremlin towers, and the ubiquitous onion domes of the Kremlin churches - must be Moscow!

posted by Ashira

Into the Sun

2011-07-30T23:58:00.000+04:00

I like to make "the standing-in front of-the-sun" shots. I know they look the same and not professional. And being the amateur photographer I never know how the shot will turn out, it is always the adventure for me. The problem happens when amateur decides that the photo is worth sharing))).

The first photo shows the contours of business center constructed in the beginning of 21st century.
The second photo was made in the beginning of last summer and shows the site in normal daylight. In 2010 it was rather grey day and the lady in swimming suit was inviting to go to Egypt for vacations..

I have recently found out that the tower in these photos was nicknamed by anonymous people living around. They call it "Canis'(dog's) .." (well, switch on your imagination and knowledge of sharp English words).
It is amazing how exact and sensible can be the street language. Everything is here: attitude to modern Moscow architecture, humor, satire, bitterness.

Posted by Irina.

New Arbat Street

2011-07-29T18:12:00.000+04:00

Looking down New Arbat Street. The large buildings are apartment blocks, and they line nearly the entire street! The views from the tops must be amazing, from there you can see nearly half the city. I've never been up there, but I've seen pictures taken from the top floors and even the roof - simply breathtaking.

posted by Ashira

Red House

2011-07-28T23:58:00.029+04:00

The building of the Abrikosov family, constructed in 1905. The architect Shnaubert followed the rules of art nuveau here. And I see the glimpses of Gaudi's art in Barcelona in the details of the building.

The Abrikosov were the founders and developers of confectionery factory which was nationalized in 1918 and named after local communist functionary Babaev. Babaevsky chocolate was one of the best in Moscow. Now all Moscow confectinery factories are unted and have one management.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Something Hidden

2011-07-27T21:27:00.000+04:00

I've been sorting through all the photos I took in Moscow, and came across this one from March 2010.

I really wonder where that door used to lead to? Was it a gate, leading to a courtyard? Or was it part of a building that no longer exists? Or...? We'll never know...

posted by Ashira

From Moscow to St.Petersburg and Back

2011-07-26T22:15:00.108+04:00

Isakievsky Cathedral

Last week I went to St.Petersburg. That is why my latest posts here were scheduled and I could not visit your blogs (and sorry about that).
I decided that today I show you the second largest city in Russia and the one so unique and worth your visit. As patriot-Muscovite I can tell that the visited city was too straightforward for me, with its balanced streets, roads, mostly18th century buildings, almost no trees, so opposite in every way to chaotic Moscow.

Petropavlovsky Fortress

But anyway, I have to admit, it is so beautiful and so original and special.

Winter Palace's Gates and Alexander's Column

Let's break the CDPh rules (again) and do some National_Geographic today!

More photos here. As there are more then 15 photos total, I hide them under cut.

Winter palace - The Hermitage

Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood

Inside Isakievsky Cathedral

Kunst-camera on Vasilievsky Island

Swan Ditch

The Neva-River

Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Fountains

Mon Plaisir Palace

Peterhof Pond

On my way to Pavlovsky Palace

I have never seen smiling lions, but this one sure did smile. Pavlovsk.

Pavlovsky Palace

Pavlovsky palace's gardens

Pavlovsky Rose Pavilion

Back to StPetersburg

Back Yards

Voila!

Posted by Irina.

Trains and Church

2011-07-24T20:23:00.014+04:00

I was interested by the combination of the spiritual atmosphere around the church and heavy earth fumes of the city traffic. Church and trains supplement each other and make one feeling comfortable in the rough place like railway station.

I found them here.

Posted by Irina.

Church?

2011-07-23T23:43:00.000+04:00

I found this building while taking a walk one day. I'm guessing it's a church because of the crosses on the top of it, but I can't find any information about it. Whatever it is, it's a nice building!

posted by Ashira

2011-07-22T20:16:00.014+04:00

When the river bus starts its trip, one can see the Square in front of Kievsky railway station, and usual busy city .

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Little shops

2011-07-21T23:48:00.000+04:00

Here's a row of shops outside of the one of the main train stations in Moscow. Three shops for your electronics needs, four places for food (baked potatoes, kebab, Uzbek cuisine, or a mini market),and a jewelry shop. I think that's everything one might need before going off on a journey! ;)

posted by Ashira

The days of Qatar Culture in Russia

2011-07-20T20:01:00.036+04:00

Once, one month ago I heard loud sounds of Arab music and singing near the Building of Tretiakov gallery at Krimsky val. The sounds had simple explanation, the days of Qatar's culture were in full motion. This man is teaching how to make fishing net. I was watching very attentively.

There was a number of small booths with Qatar art, food and craft.
Above, you can see the name "State Tretiakov Gallery". Below - "Saint Russia", the name of the exhibition which is held at a moment in the building.

Posted by Irina

Onions

2011-07-18T23:49:00.004+04:00

If you hold up your head in the yard of Moscow Modern Art Museum, you will suddenly see the onions of the belfry of Vysokopetrovsky church.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

PS. I will not be "the most active blogger in the world" within the next few days, but I promise to improve.

Side Streets

2011-07-16T12:06:00.001+04:00

Again, very Moscow-ish mix of colors, styles and time periods. The damaged car adds to the image, too)).

Google map.

Following your kindest comments to my previous "Red" post and Masha's (did you see her amazing rose garden?) question about the Red October factory, I decided to add few details.
The founders of the factory, Einem and Heuss , started the production in this group of buildings in 1869.

In 1917 the factory was nationalised and renamed into "Red October" in 1922. In 2007 factory was moved due to Moscow government program to withdraw the center of the city from production enterprises. Now "The United Confectioners" is located in new building at Verkh.Krasnoselskaya and includes "Rot Front", "Babaevsky" and "Red October".

Ex-factory buildings are now sold and new owner's program is to transfer the area into cultural center with galleries, restaurants, night clubs.
The link to new "Red October" site (in Rus). I specially was interested in "renovations" page (here). Scary, as usual.

And the news. Recently the government has decided to expand the boundaries of the city in half and to move all government offices into new territories. They are full of ideas. Moscow - to New Vasuki (Ilf's and Petrov's "12 chairs").

My poor old city.

Posted by Irina.

Red

2011-07-14T23:28:00.000+04:00

One of the red brick buildings at ex-confectionery factory "Red October" in the center of Moscow.

Posted by Irina

Moscow State University

2011-07-13T23:28:00.000+04:00

Here's a detail from one side of the Moscow State University building.

Click to make the picture bigger and see more of the details!

posted by Ashira

ps - sorry for missing a few days of posting!

House in Kotelniki District

2011-07-12T23:51:00.000+04:00

Yesterday I happened to be near one of seven Stalin's skyscrapers and want to show you some details. The building was constructed in 1951 and its recognizable architecture aimed to show the power and force of Soviet state.
This one was the apartment building, where Soviet cultural and science elite was living.

The details on the sunlit side of the building

The front view of the building from the river tour few days ago is here.

Google map.

Moscow Daily Photo has new follower and I want to ask you to visit her blog, it is amazing. Bogusia Czuprynska and her blog.
I promise to share with you more jems, our followers are so talented.

Posted by Irina.

Zemlanoy Val Street

2011-07-10T20:46:00.000+04:00

One more photo inspired by the so special geometry of my city, when the mix of buildings dated 18th century, Stalin's times, modern architecture, makes the appearance of Moscow so unique and touching.

I was almost out of blogging past week. Now I can not wait to see your latest inspiring and amazing posts. And I promise not to miss anything!

And I thank you so much for your kindest posts.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.

Old Walls

2011-07-08T23:44:00.023+04:00

Entrance to the art shop at "Vinzavod" contemporary art galleries is at my back. In front of me (and you) are the old walls (middle of 18th century) of ex-mansion of Volkonsky noble family and ex-wine factory (1805-1980th ). I was amazed by the width of the old walls, their strength and history.

"Vinzavod" galleries.

Goggle map.

Posted by Irina.

Sportivnaya Metro Station

2011-07-07T18:56:00.000+04:00

The wall of the platform at Sportivnaya metro station. This is one of the less ornate stations, but still has nice details. If you make the picture larger, you can see the fancier tiles separating the wall from the ceiling.

posted by Ashira

Hippodrome

2011-07-06T23:30:00.010+04:00

The tower of Moscow hippodrome at Begovaya (Races) street. I have never been inside, but now, as Moscow blogger, I promise to provide details about this building.

Google map.

Posted by Irina.