Our Initiatives

Russian Avantgarde Foundation's Intentions Concerning Melnikov's House

Without waiting for the conclusion of the inheritance litigation Russian Avantgarde Foundation, as the owner of one-half of the building and the owner whose title is at present clear, intends to initiate the process of establishing the world-class Museum in Melnikov's House dedicated to the Russian architecture masterpiece. The House exterior and interiors created by Konstantin Melnikov will be retained as much as possible. In addition, the building will be completely protected against a possibility of its collapse into the karst caves in the surrounding area.

Russian Avantgarde Foundation also intends to utilize some premises adjacent to Melnikov's House for the purposes of establishing the Museum.

The experience of the following organizations that have organized museums in the houses of world-renowned architects will be utilized by Russian Avantgarde Foundation in establishing the Museum:

• The Alvar Aalto Foundation (Finland)
• The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation (US)
• The Foundation Le Corbusier (France)
• Sir John Soane's Museum (UK)
• MAK Center – the Schindler House (US/Austria)

In the process of establishing the Melnikov's House Museum Russian Avantgarde Foundation plans, completely with its own funds, to fully restore the building, organize the Museum there and allocate required funds for acquiring and renovating auxiliary premises and other supporting jobs.

In addition, Russian Avantgarde Foundation intends to make the target contribution in the amount sufficient for the 15-year Museum operation.

Russian Avantgarde Foundation intends to establish a management company for implementing the Melnikov's House Museum project, make the target contribution in the amount sufficient for the 15-year Museum operation; also, the project can be completely handed over to the Russian Federation ownership, should the State so desire.