Kaluga Museum of Fine Arts

The Kaluga Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum that displays Russian and Western European paintings, graphics, and wooden carvings spanning from the 16th through 19th centuries. The collection is organized by period and medium, filling the rooms of a former merchant residence with works from different artistic traditions.

The museum was founded in 1917 from the private collection of physician N.I. Vasilyev and grew through acquisitions of artworks from nationalized estates following the revolution. This early foundation shaped the character of the collection that exists today.

The collection features portraits from the first half of the 19th century and religious icons from the 16th century that reflect Russian artistic traditions. These works show how painting and religious imagery were woven into everyday life and spiritual practice.

The museum is located on Lenina Street at number 104 in a former merchant's house and welcomes visitors year-round. It also operates branch locations in the towns of Tarusa and Ulyanovo to display additional collections and rotating exhibitions.

The building housing the museum is a town manor constructed between 1809 and 1810 that originally belonged to the Bilibin merchant family. The property later passed to the Chistokletov family before becoming home to the art collection.

Location: Kaluga

Inception: November 9, 1917

Official opening: 1918

Website: https://kmii.ru

GPS coordinates: 54.50859,36.25666

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05