We've been taking our 8-year-old daughter to historical sites and museums related to her school curriculum, and it's been a total game-changer for us. She's in 3rd grade, and this approach really helps her remember the information and understand the context of what she's learning. It's not just about having fun family outings – it's about creating a deeper connection to the material and making history feel more tangible. When her school assigned her to read Lermontov's works in November, we decided to visit the poet's house in Moscow.
For us, visiting the house was a great way to bring the poet's life and works to life. We've read his books, but seeing the place where he lived and wrote his masterpieces was a whole different experience. It's amazing how much you can learn from a place like this.
Dome-museum of M.Y. Lermontov, MoscowMy home is everywhere where the celestial vault is,
Where only the sounds of songs can be heard,
Where there's a spark of life, it's alive,
But for a poet, it's not spacious enough.
It reaches the stars with its roof,
And the distance between the walls,
Is a path that's measured not with the eyes,
But with the soul,
There's a sense of truth in a person's heart,
A sacred seed of eternity:
Space without boundaries, the flow of time,
It encompasses everything in an instant.
And my beautiful home is built for this feeling,
That's why I'm condemned to suffer in it,
And in it, I'll only find peace.
M. Y. Lermontov 1830
We stayed in the house where M.Y. Lermontov lived with his grandmother, who rented it from a merchant. That's a pretty interesting fact – even back then, not everyone in Moscow could afford to own a property in the city center.
The courtyard was a cozy little gem that I unfortunately forgot to photograph. It's one of those places that's even more charming from the inside than from the outside. The unique atmosphere is created behind the fence, and it's especially lovely to sit there on a warm autumn evening, surrounded by golden, orange, and red leaves.
But as soon as you enter the hallway, your enthusiasm and romantic mood are shattered by the mercantilism of modern life. I think it's a shame that the museum staff's priorities are guided tours – it feels like they're not really interested in letting visitors explore the house on their own.
It was a bit sad to see our young daughter, who's just starting to develop her love for history and culture, encounter such 'professionals'. But we made our own conclusions and moved on to what we came for.
Some of the rooms were closed, including the grand entrance. We were sent to explore the house from the back, starting with 'Grandmother's room', which actually completed the house. I was initially disappointed that I didn't even take any photos, but it turned out to be a cozy and modestly decorated room.
House-museum of M.Y. Lermontov, MoscowThe walls in the rooms are adorned with portraits of the house's owners, various works of art, and engravings. It's amazing how much character these old portraits and paintings bring to the house.
Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow
I was surprised when I first saw the portrait of young Lermontov on the wall – he was only 3-4 years old. It's incredible to think about how much he accomplished in his life.
Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow
Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow But thanks to the information cards in each room, I was able to learn more about the poet's life and the history of the house. The most interesting rooms for me were the large living room and Lermontov's study. Downstairs, he loved to play music and entertain guests, while upstairs, he would retreat to write his masterpieces. It's amazing how much you can learn about a person's life and work from their living space.
Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow
Lermontov's Home Museum, Moscow Lermontov's study was decorated with portraits of his literary idols, Puskin and Byron. I'd guess he was inspired by them and wanted to reach their level, like any creative person. The house had a central heating system, with radiators in every room. I have no idea how it worked, but I'm sure it was a lifesaver on cold winter nights. It's amazing how much technology has changed over the years.
M. Yu. Lermontov's House Museum, Moscow Details are always more interesting than the overall picture. I love examining the small things that hold a piece of someone's soul. Often, these are handmade, and that's what makes them special.
By 2025, unfortunately, the poet's little house is surrounded by giants made of concrete and glass. The old landscape and scenery are gone, so the house looks tiny in comparison. It's like it's been lost in the modern metropolis, just like many other historic little gems.
Lermontov Museum House, Moscow
Lermontov Museum House, Moscow
That's a lovely story that's stuck with me, with a hint of nostalgia. It's amazing how much a place like this can evoke feelings and memories.
If you're passing by, do stop for an hour, warm up, slow down, and try to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the person who lived in these walls, thought, felt, and left an indelible mark on history, etched in the memory of nearly every school kid. Visit the house of the man whose lone sail, in the blue mist of the sea, becomes clearer with each passing year. We'll definitely be back, there's still something left unsaid.