Interview with the Director of the State Tretyakov Gallery, Irina Lebedeva

[SergeiSK]

- In the coming years, the museum should acquire, if not two, but at least one new building - the project "Mosproyekt-4 in Lavrushinski lane. What is happening there now?
- Work under way, but it's not the construction itself, and the construction of diaphragm wall in order to protect nearby monuments from changes in the foundation. Much of the preparatory work already done, we will continue updating the project because it was made long ago (was state examination in 2008), and we need to make changes due to new fire regulations. In addition, some of the things without which the building is now the new building is meaningless, there simply was not there.
- And its appearance will change?
- We have him on some issues. Crucially, we are not going to change the design, or construction will go forever. And that can change, make the subject of discussion because it concerns not only us and our inner life, but also the image of Moscow.
- What exactly does not suit you?
- There are certain stylistic elements in the historical building of the museum, which were used when constructing the depositary and the Corps of Engineers. There's still clear that this is - modern buildings. From my point of view, the architectural design of the body, which we are now building - is a step backwards. Therefore it is necessary to work on the color scheme, some other methods.
- initially in the new building was planned to skip the entire collection of ancient paintings and sculptures, were there in force, these plans?

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- Conceptually, filling the building will also change, we do not make separate halls of ancient Russian art, not to exclude him from the permanent exhibition. Therefore, we want to do rather a separate room for replacement of long-term exposure of our funds, which are complementary to the primary. For example, it might be a story about how to form one or another collection, which eventually came to the museum. We want to make it a public area for meetings, restoration workshops, a little expanded reservists - all these are real needs, without which we can not develop and move on.
- In what year did you expect to finish all the work?
- Dates are dependent on funding and how will adjustment project. But this should not be unfinished: it is impossible to live on site, in addition we already started. Opening will take place in the foreseeable future, for five years for sure .
- In connection with the change of authorities in the capital there are no new information on the demolition of the CHA?
- On this occasion do not hear anything . It was supposed to - the investment project, and how it will be sold on, I do not know. Unsolved situation keeps us in suspense, because we must invest in technical upgrading of the building, its maintenance. The question arises to what extent to do so. If there is a prospect of new construction - is one thing, if we are told that the building will be in 20 years, then that's another story.
- And what will happen in Tolmachi Hall, who in 2009 was closed at the request of firefighters?
- All this time we were preparing a project to address the rather complex defects, because in this building are not only we but also our neighbors. But from the beginning, we knew that an exhibition space, we use it will no longer be. We do not have enough space to work with children and interest in this now very large.
- Do you plan to hold lectures and classes for adults?
- Develop a museum is necessary so that its activity is reduced, not only to display and storage of works of art as it is now. Museum - a place for communication, and its educational function in the world have long understood, but here it only comes into use. We are faced with the fact that adults and was pleased to come to class, they are ready to buy a subscription for something new to learn, it is now very much in demand. In addition, the museum is doing is very convenient - you can see on display, inspired by and under the influence to make something of themselves. For us, this is a very important activity, but it requires time, effort and, most importantly, space. If on the Crimean shaft it is somehow possible to solve due to the common space, then Lavrushinski - no. We think some of this burden and take on a room in Tolmachi. Another issue that we decide - how to do so on the Crimean shaft gallery opened later - and closed, respectively, too: that working people could walk at night in a museum. Here the problem is with our rangers, who do not want to go home late. And we understand that many are losing.
- Some time ago you announced the creation of the Board of Trustees, what he will do?
- In connection with the Board of Trustees last year we ran into some legal points in our charter, but now all the necessary changes have been made. Process of its creation is an accelerated manner, we have outlined a list of possible trustees, of which we are waiting for an answer. For us, this is a very important situation, because there is a certain circle of problems which we wish to solve with its help. It is not just about financial aid, but also organizational, and consulting. We propose a Chairman for the Board of Trustees, but since it was adopted not by us, yet I can not talk about it. I think in January, all is finally clear.
- And as new pieces fall into the collection?
- Basically we are buying contemporary art, because it is almost impossible to buy old . By the end of the year, as a rule, and we have, and the Ministry of Culture still some money to spend on the purchase of products. Importantly, in time to be ready all the documents - this expert opinion, and photography, and protocols: each work is a great package.
This year we have prepared in advance, so were able to purchase the product, who waited several years already. Among the acquisitions - Koshlyakov, Chahal. We bought them at the museum, of course, prices. In general, we do not all, of course, put the purchase and not all accept the gift . Decision is made by our expert committee.

Svetlana Yankina
"Moscow News"