Karl bull museum observation deck. Karl bulla photo studio

Photo studio them. Karl Bulla- one of the "hidden" sights of St. Petersburg. This chamber museum, whose second name is the Foundation historical photography named after Karl Bulla, located in the heart of Northern capital, but not everyone knows about its existence. Various establishments and institutions are located in the same building with the museum, in addition, there is a unique observation terrace from which you can appreciate all the beauty of the city. Those wishing to visit the Karl Bulla Museum in St. Petersburg and find out its history will find all the necessary information in the article.

The history of the photo studio

Karl Bulla's photo studio is the oldest studio in the entire territory of Russia. Its history began in the distant 50s of the XIX century - in fact, then in Russia debut photographs began to appear.

The first owner of the photo studio was Karl Kulish. Now it is impossible to reliably establish in what year he gave birth to his brainchild on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Presumably, this happened before 1858. Over the next several decades, the salon changed several owners, until approximately in 1906-1908 Karl Karlovich Bulla, who was then at the peak of fame and popularity, became its owner. The master's family also began to live in the acquired house.

The revolution did not finally "kill" the photo studio - it continued to live, but already in the status of a state institution. As the biography of Karl Bulla testifies, he hastily emigrated from the country in 1917, and his sons tried to continue the business. Alas, they failed to support their father's initiative, but only for the reason that one of the children was sent into exile, and the other was executed. Despite all the obstacles, the photo studio continued its work even in the brutal years of the blockade.

What is famous for the building on Nevsky, 54

The building in which the photo studio them. Bulla, also became famous as the house of the Demidovs. Its history began in the 40s of the 18th century. Then, on this very piece of land, a building was built, designed by the architect Trezzini. Approximately 10 years later, it was bought out and remade for the famous statesman I.I. Shuvalov. As a result, a real palace complex "grew" around the building.

In 1825, the ownership of the building passed to an industrialist, a representative of the glorious and noble family... 16 years later, the building was expanded by the architect Pel, after which the house began to bear the name "Demidov Hotel". By the way, it was here in 1843 famous writer Ivan Turgenev met his fatal passion Pauline Viardot.

In the early 80s of the XIX century. the building on Nevsky Prospekt underwent a large-scale restructuring, the project of which was created by the architect Suzor. It was after this that an unremarkable 3-storey house was transformed into a four-storey eclectic building, which is still known today.

Revival of the photo salon and the beginning of the museum

In the 90s. last century, Dr. V. Elbek, on the advice of his son, decided to become the owner of a photo salon on Nevsky, 54. No sooner said than done! Elbek, however, recalls that he got the house in a terrible state and looked more like a chicken coop with flowing roofs, in which, in addition, stairs collapsed. In the rooms where the photos appeared, it was unrealistic to breathe. The whole situation was so miserable and "killed" that Elbek, as he confessed, could not even dream of opening a good photo salon here or holding openings.

The photo studio existed in this form for several more years, remaining profitable business... In the late 90s, Elbeck studied the history of the building in detail, learned all the details of the life and work of the photographer Karl Bulla, and came up with the idea of ​​creating his museum. However, for this it was necessary to carry out the restoration of the salon.

Preparing for the opening of the museum, Elbek began buying original photographs of K. Bulla and his heirs, as well as photographs of other masters who worked in Russia before the revolution.

Elbek collected funds for a large-scale reconstruction by 2002 and immediately launched the process. During the restoration work, one of the main elements of the photo salon was recreated - the glass shade of the photo workshop. In January 2004, Karl Bulla's photo studio was ready to welcome the first visitors in a festive atmosphere.

Sphere of interests of the master

Thanks to the works of K. Bulla, today we have the opportunity to contemplate various photographs of past centuries. For example, Karl Bulla often photographed the interiors of the mansions of kings and princes, the architecture of churches that were seriously damaged during the Soviet era, as well as the life of people of the past from different strata of society: from the aristocracy and scientists to ordinary cabbies and hard workers. His photographs make it possible to imagine the environment in which certain events took place in St. Petersburg, what the houses and signs looked like. ancient city... Contemporaries can visit the legendary Leo Tolstoy and other people from the world of creativity for several hours.

The maestro's camera "caught" and captured life in all its aspects and directions. He did not seek to show only weekdays or only holidays. It is not surprising that today his works are highly valued by specialists in various fields: restorers, historians and even filmmakers.

First impressions when visiting the museum

The Karl Bulla Museum is located at 54 Nevsky Prospekt. It is a quiet and pleasant corner on the 4th floor, which still retains the spirit of aristocracy of old Petersburg. On the way up, you can look with interest at the photographs of various contemporary celebrities that adorn the walls here.

At the beginning of the photo studio itself there is a vestibule in which a self-portrait hangs. famous master- Karl Bulla. He was captured with a handheld camera around his neck, which allowed him to take great photos on ordinary streets. By the way, at that time Bulla's technique was considered extremely "sophisticated". When you arrive directly at the museum, which continues with the Karl Bulla exhibition gallery, do not forget about the terrace with the famous platform, which offers stunning views of the city.

Photographs of the museum

The museum is spread over only a few square meters, but in such a compact space the unique atmosphere of the past is recreated. In particular, there is a piano decorated with candlesticks, and an antique clock with a pendulum hangs on the walls. Some of the frames are originals from the beginning of the last century, others have been printed today from old negatives. Among other photos, it is worth highlighting a large number of photo portraits of Chaliapin.

Here you can also see Bulla's unique pavilion chamber. Even after many years, it is still functional, which is why it is sometimes used to create a photo in retro style. Nearby there is a corner with three photographs, decorated with greenery. The pictures show Karl Bulla himself and his sons.

Photo studio

The room is a well-lit long gallery. Its main part is occupied by non-permanent expositions, because in the salon with a regular frequency openings are held, composed of creations modern masters Photo. K. Bulla's photo workshop is located in a room where the atmosphere of a tropical greenhouse reigns. Above, the building is decorated with a glass dome, which can be easily seen from the street. It is said that Bulla greatly appreciated this particular dome, as thanks to it he could work in his workshop without artificial light.

We add that the dome that is displayed in the photo studio today is not genuine. In 2002-2003, it was restored and restored as a result of a long and hard work.

Balcony-terrace

This place is especially popular in the building on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. Here you will not see old paintings or photographs, but from here you can see modern Petersburg at a glance, which is valuable both for tourists and for many local residents. This panoramic terrace is a Mecca for many photographers and ordinary landscape lovers who come here and admire all the beauties of the city from a bird's eye view.

On the terrace there is a small open balcony decorated with flowers in pots. The area of ​​the site itself - no more than 1 square meter... Numerous sights are superbly visible from here. historic city, and in the distance you can see the domes of cathedrals.

Exhibitions

The Karl Bulla photo studio on Nevsky Prospekt regularly hosts exhibitions of various thematic directions. The exhibitions change quite often, at least twice a month. It is worth saying a few words about the most famous and topical events.

Photo contest them. K. Bulla "Epochs are visible features"

This photo competition was "born" in 2007. An international-level event takes place every two years in various nominations - from sports to nature and city landscapes.

Every photo lover will be able to find a subject to his liking and take part in the exhibition (subject to the appropriate quality of work). Participants in the competition are not only Russian, but also foreign masters of the frame.

"Karl Bulla: a look at the world of Tolstoy"

This event is not organized in the photo studio itself. Bulls, but with his direct participation. It will last until the end of May in Moscow. Its exhibits appeared back in 1908, in the summer. It was then that Karl Bulla arrived at Yasnaya Polyana - the residence of the great writer Leo Tolstoy. Bulla had an assignment from several editorial offices of St. Petersburg at once - to take a series of pictures of Tolstoy.

The great master coped with the task 100 percent. As a result, about a hundred photos were born. Many of them are known to the general public, but until recently only specialists in the field of literature and photography were familiar with some of them. As a result, the Moscow Tolstoy Museum decided to correct this omission and organized an exhibition of Karl Bulla's photographs.

Within the framework of the exposition, visitors to the photo salon can see original images of Leo Tolstoy, his family and friends, as well as a whole scattering of celebrities of the early 20th century. Perhaps the main rarity was brought to the capital for the exhibition - K. Bulla's pavilion camera, as well as some unique items from the personal archive and prints of past years with the works of the maestro.

Exhibition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography

There is a separate corner in the Karl Bulla Museum, marked with a sign "18+". To get into it, you need to climb the most top floor where there is a cozy and small room. It houses an exposition of pre-revolutionary erotic photography.

Within the framework of this unusual exhibition, visitors can see erotic retrospectives and scenes from private collection the current owners of the photo studio. It should be noted that not all of the shown scenes are innocent.

Despite the fact that the author of these photos is not Karl Bulla, they are very interesting to study. By the way, according to historians, the master himself and his sons were also engaged in erotic filming, photographing naked athletes and athletes with pumped up bodies.

Another plus of this room on Nevsky Prospect is a gorgeous view from the window. Just for the sake of it, it is worth stopping by at least for a couple of minutes.

Museum location and opening hours

Karl Bulla's photo studio and museum is located in St. Petersburg at the address: Nevsky Prospekt, 54 (reference point - Gostiny Dvor metro station). The institution also has its own official website, which has all the necessary information for those wishing to visit it. True, problems often arise with access to it.

The salon is ready to receive its clients every day from 10 am to 8 pm (Sunday and Monday at the photo studio are weekends). Visitors speak highly of the museum. They note that there is something to see here, even for those who are not keen on photography. In the museum you can just relax and enjoy the masterpieces of art. Photographers can draw new ideas for themselves.

Cost of visit and services

You can get to the Karl Bulla museum and photo studio for quite reasonable money. Entrance fee is 50 rubles, for students and pensioners (if the relevant documents are available) - 25 rubles. Inside, you can take amateur photography - it will cost 100 rubles. Professional shooting costs several times more - 1000 rubles.

Also in the museum you can buy bright postcards with photographs of Bulla himself (by the piece - 12 rubles, there are sets of 200 and 250 rubles). There is also an atelier where you can rent 19th century outfits for photo shoots. Renting a dress or costume "semi-antique" will cost about 200 rubles. For the work of a professional photographer, you will have to pay 3 thousand rubles (per hour, does not depend on the number of participants).

Solemn faces holiday costumes... Whole families came to him, before him were equal to ordinary townspeople and members royal family... And 100 years later, grandchildren and great-grandchildren proudly say: “Our family was photographed by Bulla himself!”

The photo studio, located at 54 on Nevsky Prospekt, has always been popular due to its convenient location: not far from Anichkov Bridge and the Public Library, practically in the middle of the Nevsky Prospect and near Gostiny Dvor. The first documentary mention of this house dates back to 1849: it then belonged to the Demidov family of merchants. At the beginning of the 20th century, after several owners, the photo studio was acquired by the popular photographer Karl Karlovich Bulla, who by that time had numerous honorary titles and awards.

For 40 years, the master filmed interesting city events: the flood of 1903, the St. Petersburg Aviation Week in 1910. A series of photographs of orphanages, taken in 1910, made the following public strong impression that Karl Karlovich was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of St. Petersburg. It was Bulla's studio that received an exclusive order to illustrate the anniversary edition “Nevsky Prospekt” dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the city on the Neva. As part of this work, the master photographed all the houses located on the avenue. Many publishing houses produced postcards with views of the city using his photographs.

Worthy receivers famous master the photo was the sons Victor and Alexander, who continued the dynasty. After the revolutionary events of 1917, Karl Bulla emigrated to Estonia, where he died in 1929. The photo studio was nationalized and continued to work as a state institution. The Bull brothers worked in it as ordinary employees, but according to denunciations they were repressed and died. The confiscated photographs and negatives were partially lost, and partially transferred to the State Fund for Film and Photo Documents.

Despite everything, the photo studio never stopped working. It operated even during the blockade of Leningrad. And in the post-war period, thousands of townspeople and guests of the city visited the atelier to make family or portrait photos.

By the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, at the expense of the owner of the premises, the photo studio was completely reconstructed. The interiors of the workshop were recreated, stylized furniture appeared, and the famous glass dome, which at the beginning of the last century towered over the photo studio, was rebuilt. The Foundation for Historical Photography, named after Karl Bulla, created a permanent exhibition of documents and photographic equipment of those times, held exhibitions and lectures. From the famous balcony, everything is the same as 100 years ago, a stunning view of Nevsky Prospekt, Gostiny Dvor and the Public Library opens. And still, at 54, Nevsky Prospect, there is a photo studio.

Today we want to tell you about one of the little-known chamber museums of St. Petersburg. Karl Bulla located in the very center of the city. However, not everyone knows that in this representative building, where numerous shops and institutions are crowded, there is an interesting museum-gallery, as well as a unique terrace from where you can view from above on Nevsky Prospekt!

Review of the Karl Bulla Memorial Photo Salon on Nevsky, 54

Historical photography foundation named afterKarl Bulla is located at the corner of Nevsky Prospekt and Malaya Sadovaya Street, a stone's throw from Gostiny Dvor, right next to the famous Eliseevsky. In a word, you cannot imagine a more central place.

To find yourself in a quiet, pleasant corner with the aristocratic atmosphere of old Petersburg, it is enough to go through the door with the signboard "Photo Salon" and, leaving behind the noisy Nevsky, overcome the pedestrian ascent to the fourth floor.

The way up is brightened up by photographs of various celebrities of our time hung on the walls.

Finally, we are there. To the left is a door with a signboard "Photo Salon".

At first, there will be a small lobby with a new-style, antique-styled decoration and a lot of flowers, which also seem to be specially selected in the spirit Belle Époque.

All kinds of ferns, ficuses, palms and other green spaces abound in the entire salon, which is why you tune in to a blissful, almost resort style. The glass roof only adds to the greenhouse flavor.

Another small staircase - and we find ourselves in the actual memorial corner ( Museum), continuing with an exhibition gallery and a terrace with an observation deck, where we will go out a little later (sweet - for dessert).

In the memorial corner, which occupies only a few square meters, the atmosphere of antiquity is recreated: there is a piano with candlesticks (from time to time in the salon you can hear live music), on the walls - a clock with a pendulum and numerous photographs taken in this and other salons.

Some of the photographs are genuine photographs of the early 20th century.

Others have already been printed in our time from old negatives.

Among others, there are numerous photographs of Chaliapin, alone or surrounded by friends and family.

Occasionally, Karl Bulla's trademark monogram can be seen in the lower right corner of brownish photographs.

Here we see a unique pavilion Bull era camera, which is still in working order and is sometimes used to create retro photographs in the style of the master.

In the neighborhood - a nook, buried in greenery, with three photographs depicting the photographer himself and his two sons (the elder Alexander and the younger Victor). Details about the biography of Karl Bulla and the fate of his sons .

Another old camera of that time is also shown here. These two outlandish cameras, the size of a good organ, are the subject of special pride for the founders of the museum.

It's no secret that Petersburg Germans left a huge mark on the pre-revolutionary history of the city on the Neva. Immigrants from Germany were among the prominent architects, sculptors, engineers, educators, military leaders, bankers and patrons of the arts. Actually, until 1917 the Germans made up the largest percentage of the Petersburg population after the Russians. AND Karla Bull can rightfully be counted among this wonderful stratum. By the way, he was far from her the only immigrant from the German lands who successfully worked in the genre of photography in the capital Petersburg (read more in the article).

The lens of his camera captured life in all its manifestations: ceremonial and everyday. Bulla became a true chronicler of an era - a lost era. It is not surprising that now his photographs are the most valuable material for historians, restorers, artists, filmmakers.

The main part of the light extended gallery of the photo salon is reserved for temporary exhibitions: the salon regularly hosts exhibitions of works by contemporary photographers and photojournalists. In particular, once every two years, the most interesting International Photo Contest named after Karl Bulla "The Epochs of Visible Features" is held, the purpose of which is to create a "historical photographic chronicle of Russia." The last such competition started in May 2015. Final exposition best works based on the results of the competition will open here, on Nevsky, 54, in November 2015.

The doors on the right lead to the current photo studio, housed in an unusually bright room with the atmosphere of a tropical greenhouse. This is the historical photo workshop of Karl Bulla... Towering over the building glass dome clearly visible even from below, from Nevsky Prospect. Bulla greatly appreciated this light shade as it allowed the photographer to work with natural light.

The current dome is not genuine. It was recreated during the painstaking restoration of the photo studio in 2002-2003.

The modern photo studio continues to provide various services for professional art photography and restoration of old photographs. In particular, here you can take pictures in costumes made in the fashion of the 19th century, as well as order the restoration and printing of old photographs.

Let's return now to the main exhibition gallery. Through the glass doors at the far end, you can get to balcony-terrace overlooking Nevsky Prospect.

For this panoramic terrace this is where most photographers and simply city landscape lovers come to admire the center of St. Petersburg from a bird's eye view.

The terrace is a small open balcony with a metal ladder and indispensable flowerpots.

Having overcome three thin perch-steps, you find yourself at the very top - a small, less than one square meter, site with an excellent panoramic view at the intersection of Nevsky and Sadovaya: Gostiny Dvor, City Duma building, Alexandrinsky Theater, Russian National Library- everything is at a glance. In the distance you can see the domes of the Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals.

Enjoying the view is somewhat hampered by a feeling of insecurity: it is difficult to relax, standing at such a decent height, especially under the onslaught of the wind, even if it is completely safe. But the more fearless visitors literally go further: they climb over the fence and illegally descend this very staircase to continue the adventure. Walking on the rooftops is a favorite Petersburg pastime. And why not do it for the sake of good pictures!

Before leaving the museum, it is worth taking a look at the small exposition on the landing.

Especially interesting are the two five-meter panoramas of Nevsky Prospect: before us is an old one, taken by an unknown photographer in 1861 at a long 5-minute exposure (which is why there is not a soul on the streets, only a lone horse), and a modern circular panorama made in 1998 by the photojournalist Sergei Kompaniychenko. Both panoramas were filmed from the same point: from the balcony at the base of the spire of the Admiralty tower.

The same principle of comparison formed the basis of the recent exhibition “Petersburg a century later”. In this exhibition, historical photographs of St. Petersburg, taken by Karl Bulla, were side by side with modern photographs taken by Kompaniychenko from the same points. This panorama was also shown at the exhibition. (I thought: if the panoramas were filmed today, there would probably be even more cars on the streets).

Below the panoramas is a collection of old photographs taken at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries in different cities of Russia.

Of course, there are also pictures taken in a St. Petersburg photo studio, and very different ones (Karl Bulla's studio was far from the only one: photo salons were then met on almost every corner, at least in the city center).

From here, another small staircase leads to the upper floor, where a sign with a warning sign "18+" indicates.

In a cozy room under the roof, a permanent exhibition of pre-revolutionary erotic pictures.

Here are shown erotic retro-portraits and scenes (innocent and not so) from the private collection of the current owner of the photo studio.

It is worth looking into this room just for the sake of a beautiful view from the windows.

The view opens from two windows: on one side you can see the roof of Eliseevsky, on the other - the Alexandrinsky Theater, the Russian National Library, Gostiny Dvor and the roofs of St. Petersburg extending into infinity.

The history of the photo studio on Nevsky prospect, 54

The photo studio in the Demidovs' house on Nevsky, 54 is one of the most respectable in St. Petersburg. Moreover, it is the oldest photo studio in Russia... Its history dates back to the mid-1850s, that is, practically from the moment the first photographs appeared in our country.

The first owner of the photo studio was Karl Ludwigovich Kulish, who started out as a daguerreotype on Gorokhovaya Street. In what year he opened an atelier on Nevsky, it is not known exactly, but, most likely, it was before 1858 (before renumbering; then this house was listed as number 55, not 54). In 1866, the studio was acquired by an eminent St. Petersburg photographer - Italian Ivan (Giovanni) Bianchi. Unlike Kulish, Bianchi did not limit himself to the scope of pavilion portrait photography: he was almost the first photographer in St. Petersburg who began to go out and take pictures of the city, and work in the genre of photo reportage.

In 1872 the photo studio became the property of the second guild merchant Rudolf Fedorovich Beyer, and later the salon was inherited by his son Johann. In the 1880s, Grigory Aleksandrovich Borel became the owner. The location near the studio was the most advantageous: almost in the very center of Nevsky, next to Alexandrinsky Theater and The public library, at a busy trade crossroads, near Gostiny Dvor and Passage. No wonder it was so popular. View of the house in 1872-1882:

In 1882-1883, the building was rebuilt for the merchant A. M. Ushakov according to the project of the famous architect P. Yu. Suzor. In the new building, along with many other establishments, a photographic studio was opened. This time, Ivan Pavlovich Chesnokov became the owner (the firm was called Borel after the name of the previous owner). House after reconstruction:

Finally, around 1906-1908 ( exact date not known) photo studio on Nevsky, 54 acquired Karl Karlovich Bulla- the most famous Petersburg photographer, who was then at the zenith of fame. The master's family settled in the same building. And the company "Borel" moved to the neighboring house number 56, where it existed until the construction of Eliseevsky (1903). House on Nevsky, 54 in the photograph of Karl Bulla himself:

After the revolution, the photo studio continued to work, but already as state institution... Karl Karlovich emigrated in 1917. The business was continued by his sons, but their fate was tragic. The eldest son, Alexander Bulla, was sent into exile in 1928, and the youngest, Victor Bulla, was shot in 1938 on a false denunciation. The dynasty of photographers was forgotten for decades. However, the atelier continued to work and did not close even during the years of the siege. In the post-war period "Photography No. 1" became the center of portrait and family photography. Leningraders lined up to take a memorable photo in Family album, gladly took portrait photographs and photographs for the passport.

As you can see, photography on Nevsky 54 has been working for over 150 years.

Details about the life and work of Karl Bulla and his sons can be read in a separate note.

About the Demidovs' house (Nevsky, 54)

The building that houses the historic photographic studio is known as house of the Demidovs.

The first known house on this site was built in the 1740s by the architect Pietro Antonio Trezzini... In the 1750s, it was bought out and rebuilt (presumably according to the project of S.I. Chevakinsky) for a statesman Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov... Around the building a whole palace complex arose, occupying the entire block up to Italianskaya Street.

In the 1770-1790s, the diplomat Count A.A. Bezborodko, the mathematician D. Bernoulli, the publisher I.F.Bogdanovich, Princess E.R.Dashkova, poets and statesmen G.R.Derzhavin and I.I. Dmitriev. Empress Catherine II paid visits.

In 1825, the house was acquired by a representative famous family breeders Demidovs- industrialist N.N.Demidov(he himself, however, had lived in Florence since 1815). In 1841, the building was expanded by the architect A. Kh. Pel. The son of Nikolai Nikitich lived here P.N.Demidov- Founder of the Demidov Prize of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, Colonel K. K. Danzas- Lyceum comrade and second A.S. Pushkin. The house contained the furnished rooms of Madame O. Chatillon, and it was called the "Demidov Hotel". In 1843, the hotel hosted the acquaintance of the writer I.S.Turgenev with the singer P. Viardot-Garcia.

From 1878 to the revolution, the house was owned by a merchant of the 1st guild A. M. Ushakov... In 1882-1883, the building was rebuilt according to the project of the famous architect P. Yu. Suzora(among his creations is the "House of Singer", also known as the House of Books, on Nevsky Prospect).

Instead of a modest three-storey building, the now familiar four-storey building appeared in the forms of mature eclecticism: with rich stucco molding on the facade, two-storey bay windows with bow gables and a spectacularly rounded corner under a small dome.

Profitable house A.M. Ushakov in different times accommodated many famous institutions: a bookstore and A.A. Cherkesov's library (on the basis of which the Central city ​​Library them. V.V. Mayakovsky), V. Bessel's music publishing house, hairdressing salon. In the first third of the XX century, the house worked studio of the photographer K.K.Bulla and his sons.

During blockade of Leningrad and in the post-war period on Nevsky, 54 continued to operate photo studio, and salon.

In 2002, a commemorative plaque was installed on the wall of the corridor at the entrance to the hairdresser's: “ This barbershop worked throughout the blockade. During these years, the work of hairdressers proved: beauty will save the world.". (The barber shop lasted until 2006).

Another plaque can be seen on the facade of the house.

It says that on this corner during the days of the heroic defense of Leningrad in 1941-1944 there were loudspeakers, where residents besieged city came to listen to reports of events at the front.

Recreation of the photo studio and the opening of the Karl Bulla Museum

In the 1990s, a St. Petersburg doctor Valentin Evgenievich Elbek decided to buy a photo studio on Nevsky, 54. This idea was proposed to him by his son. However, by that time, the photo studio, according to Elbek himself, was more “ was like a hen house in a dreadful state, with leaking roofs and crumbling stairs. It was impossible to breathe in the rooms where the photographs were developed and printed. Everything was in such desolation that it was difficult even to imagine that someday it would be possible to make a good photo studio here, to create a museum named after Karl Bulla» .

For several years, the photo studio existed in such a neglected form, and it remained a profitable enterprise. Towards the end of the 1990s new owner Having studied the history of this place in more detail and learned more about the fate of the famous dynasty of photographers, he was convinced of the need to restore the salon and create here memorable place... Acquisition of genuine photographs gradually began Karl Bulla and his sons, as well as photographs of other masters pre-revolutionary Russia filmed in St. Petersburg and throughout Russia.

In 2002, at the expense of V.E. Elbek in the photo salon, large-scale reconstruction, which made it possible to preserve a memorial building for the city Bulla's photo studio... The historic glass shade of the photo workshop has been recreated. Although the reconstruction was not completed as planned, for the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the solemn opening of a photo studio named after Karl Bulla took place already in January 2004.

Currently, in the premises of the reconstructed photo studio, there is a small museum with an exhibition gallery and the Karl Bulla Foundation for Historical Photography, registered in 2005 and aiming to study and popularize Russian photography XIX - the first half of the XX century. The historical pavilions have a modern photo studio.

Visit to the Karl Bulla Museum in St. Petersburg: address, opening hours, ticket prices

Karl Bulla Photo Salon (Historical Photography Foundation and Cala Bulla Museum) located at Nevsky prospect, 54, near the metro station "Gostiny Dvor".

Opening hours of the museum and gallery: from 10:00 to 20:00, daily (at the photo studio Sunday and Monday are days off).

Price entrance ticket is 50 rubles (for students and pensioners - 25 rubles). Amateur photography of the museum and the panorama of Nevsky Prospect - 100 rubles, professional shooting- 1000 rubles.

The official website of the Karl Bulla Foundation: bullafond.ru

If you are on Nevsky, 54, be sure to check out this salon. It is worth entering here both for the sake of a stunning view from the observation deck, and for getting to know memorial museum which, despite its modest size, will make you admire talent and hard work famous photographer and his sons and take an interest in their life and work.

June 5th, 2015, 02:11 am

If you turn from Nevsky Prospekt to Malaya Sadovaya Street, you can see a monument to a Petersburg photographer. It was installed in 2001 and represents a 2.5-meter bronze figure of a photographer who is preparing to shoot. They are photographed according to a sign - taking a photographer under right hand... For financial well-being, the photographer is “put up” for the little finger.

This sculpture appeared in this place for a reason. It is here, at the addressNevsky prospect 54 , from the beginning of the twentieth century to the 1930s there was a photo studio of the famous dynasty of photo masters Bull ... Their works have immortalized famous politicians, scientists and artists, the most important eventsRussian history , masterpiecesPetersburg architecture .

Photo studio named after Karl Bulla is active. But this is not just a photo studio, it is a museum, a fund of historical photography. We go up the stairs to the fourth floor.

A photographic studio on the site of the current Foundation was created in the 1850s, the exact date is unknown, it is only established that it was before 1858 year (according to the information on the back of the surviving photograph). Its first owner is Karl Ludwigovich Kulish. Initially, the photo studio had a long name - Photo of Kulish in St. Petersburg on Nevsky Prospekt against Alexandria Theater in Demidov's house number 55. Demidov is the owner of the whole house, a merchant, and number 55 - because it was before the renumbering of houses 1858 year ... Only a few small-format photographs of this master have survived. V 1866 year the owner changed - the studio was acquired by the Italian photographer Ivan (Giovanni) Bianchi. He is one of the first to photograph the city, works in the genre of photo reportage. Subsequently, starting with 1872 year , the photo studio has repeatedly changed owners. In 1882-1883, the building in which the studio was located was rebuilt according to the project Pavel Suzor ... Approximately at 1906 — 1908 years (exact date unknown) the owner of the photo studio becomesKarl Karlovich Bulla , his sons Victor and Alexander helped him.

Now there is calmness and grace, a pleasant atmosphere of the art of photography, intertwined with history and modernity at the same time. The Karl Bulla Photographic Museum is furnished with stylized furnishings, complemented by flowers and trees. The main decoration is the work of Karl Bulla, in addition, no less interesting temporary exhibitions are periodically held here.

From the salon you can go to the observation deck, which overlooks the Nevsky Prospect.

Vnuzu Gostiny Dvor.

And Sadovaya street. By the way, please note that trams do not run here anymore, but the rails and contact network have been preserved. There is a reason for this, which I will talk about a little later.

The National Library of Russia is a unique place. Its richest funds of books, newspapers and magazines put it in second place in the world.

View of the Yekaterinensky Garden.

And drama theater.

Petersburg roofs.

But, we return again to the museum.

During the reconstruction, the glass dome of the building was restored. The fourth floor offers a stunning view of the city, against which visitors love to take pictures.

Karl Karlovich Bulla was born into a German family in the Prussian town of Leobschütz, but he worked almost exclusively in St. Petersburg. In 1875, he opened his own photography studio, which at the beginning of the 20th century was located in the building of the Passage on Nevsky.
Back in 1886, he received from the Ministry of Internal Affairs "permission for the right to carry out all kinds of photographic work outside the home, such as: on the streets, apartments and in the immediate vicinity of St. Petersburg" which allowed him many years later in 1894 to establish printing production of postcards in standard of the Universal Postal Union.
Since 1897, Karl Bulla's photographs have been published in the popular and popular magazine "Niva". From that time on, his name became known throughout the Russian Empire.
After 1916, Karl Bulla handed over his photography business to his sons, Alexander and Victor, and he himself settled on the island of Ezel. He also died there in 1929.

The famous dynasty was not spared by severe social upheavals: in 1928, Alexander Bulla was arrested and sent into exile, and in 1938, as a German spy, on the denunciation of his “colleague” in the photo studio, Victor Bulla was sentenced to death.

The NKVD officers confiscated the result of their creative work from the Bulla family - the negatives accumulated over decades of painstaking work. Some of the negatives were barbarously destroyed during a search, the remaining negatives were seized and currently form the basis of the collection. State fund film and photo documents (more than 130,000 storage units!).

More detailed information you can read about the salon on its official website: http://www.bullafond.ru/12.html.

In 2002, on the initiative and at the expense of the new owner of the premises, Valentin Evgenievich Elbek, for the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out in the photo salon, which made it possible to preserve the memorial premises of the Karl Bulla photo studio for the city. A full-scale restoration of the filming pavilions in which Karl Bulla and his sons worked was carried out.

If you happen to be on Nevsky 54, be sure to take a look here. The entrance to the museum is paid, but it is worth visiting even for the stunning view from the observation deck of the center of St. Petersburg.