Shalyapin House-Museum

The world-famous opera singer Fyodor Shalyapin (also spelt Chaliapin) lived in this quaint cottage from 1910 to 1920 with his Italian wife and five children. In Russian cultural life, the eminent bass stands alongside icons such as Konstantin Stanislavsky and Maxim Gorky. Indeed, his stature is evident from the museum exhibit, which features photographs of the singer in such admirable company, as well as gifts and correspondence that they exchanged. More interesting for theatre buffs are the posters featuring Shalyapin’s most celebrated performances, original stage costumes and recordings of his performances. Occasional concerts are held in the museum’s white room. Next door to Shalyapin’s house, the small art gallery holds temporary exhibits by local artists, most of whom have some historical association with Shalyapin or the surrounding neighbourhood.