Rozaliya Nurgaleyeva: ''The updated Museum of Fine Arts will open in six months''

The cutting edge

Readers asked a question: ''Now the building of the Gallery of Modern Art on Karl Marx Street is covered with banners. When will it open? What novelties will there be?''

The question isn't surprising, the modern building, which opened with big Big Volga exhibition in spring 1980, has always been in the limelight of the citizens of Kazan. Many interesting exhibitions were held there, from the exposition of authors of the famous Bulldozer Exhibition dedicated to engineering works of Leonardo da Vinci. Unfortunately, the building made of glass and bitumen did have problems. It was cold in the frost, while ceilings leaked during thaws and rains.

''Of course, the building, which has been standing since the 80s, moreover, it was designed not very well – its roof leaked – is still interesting. Today, when we got rid of all late layers, when we removed compartments, a completely unique space opened — the upper light, which is even on sunny days, double floor height area, which will allow to show works of very artists, videos. For instance, Kandinsky was shown in Milan, a multimedia space opens on the second floor during the exhibition. And an artist's interpretation is already modern,'' told Rozalia Nurgaleyeva.

''Of course, the building, which has been standing since the 80s, moreover, it was designed not very well – its roof leaked, is still interesting,'' says Nurgaleyeva about the Gallery of Modern Art on Karl Marx Street

According to her words, the updated building will have climate control, well-equipped museum depository, this century's works from Khazine Gallery will go to the gallery on Karl Marx Street. Avant-garde is one of the first projects to be shown at the updated gallery. The gallery will already have opened by 30 August. Russian Avant-garde will be on the first floor of the building, it's the full collection the Museum of Fine Arts possesses.

The project Russia. Realism of the 21^st Century is on the second and a part of the third floor. It's completely unexpected works of modern artists from different cities of Russia. The works are traditional and modern. Many artists already agreed to participate. ''It will be a bomb'', thinks Rozaliya Nurgaleyeva. By the way, three Kazan artists will participate in the project. Their names are kept in secret now. But they have already been chosen as curators of the future exhibition.

A project dedicated to Andrey Tarkovsky will open on the second floor. It has been in Kazan, and now an artist who worked with the director lives on Sviyazhsk, it's Rashid Safiullin. Photos and works from the private collection will be in the exposition. Of course, there will also be a demonstration of Andrey Tarkovsky's films.

There will be locations for short-term exhibitions of works of modern young artists with a further discussion on the third floor at the new gallery. What's more, there will be a conference hall with a possibility of an update.

All to the garden!

''What's planned in the yard of Sandetsky's house?'' readers asked. This summer, nothing, unfortunately, because the main building of the Museum of Fine Arts is closing for repair these days. It will last for about six months. All collections are moving, and the building is given to restorers. The project has already been created and approved. There will also be many new things in the updated building of the very museum. From climate control to new illumination.

But the talk with Rozaliya Nurgaleyeva also included many other interesting topics

''Of course, we try to conserve the old aura of Sandetsky's house,'' promises Rozaliya Nurgaleyeva. The building will close for just six months. This is why it won't be ruined, it was in order, repairs were carried out from time to time.

Live will bubble again in the garden of Sandetsky's house next summer. There are many interesting ideas, the cup is reconstructed, there will be works to restore trees. The garden will conserve its aura as well as the house. The garden will also have a concert site and a place for innovative projects. This place will also be poetic.

In addition, an office of the Russian Museum, which will hold temporary exhibitions, will open in the short run in Kazan. But the first floor will be a public space, a cabinet of engravings will open there. The buildings of the former magistrate on Baumana Street next to Nichola's Cathedral and Pokrovskaya Church will be given for the office. And a modernly equipped centre for children will open in Merchant Mikhlyayev (Miklyayev)'s House. One of the highlights is that restorers will try to reproduce the authentic situation of the old Kazan house.

But the talk with Rozaliya Nurgaleyeva also included many other interesting topics.