Alapaevsk is a small and cozy town in the Middle Urals, which originated from the village of Alapaikha. Its history is closely linked to the era of Peter I, who, as an experienced military leader, issued decrees for the construction of factories in the Urals. These enterprises were meant to contribute to victories in the wars the tsar waged against Western countries. It was in Alapaevsk that such factories began to be built. First one, then a second metallurgical factory gave the town an industrial appearance, but also brought it musical fame. This happened when the manager Ilya Petrovich Tchaikovsky arrived in the town with his son, who later became the world-famous composer.

Although the great musician lived in Alapaevsk for a short time, the house-museum named in his honor is today the most popular place in the town.

Since 1766, the Alapaevsk factories belonged to Savva Yakovlevich Yakovlev, known as Sobakin. After his death, the factories passed to his son Sergey, who had seven daughters who inherited the enterprises. In the mid-19th century, the factory owners lived in St. Petersburg or European capitals, so the factory managers were the main people in Alapaevsk. In 1849, Ilya Petrovich Tchaikovsky was appointed to this position, arriving with his family. He lived in the town for three years and left in 1852, unwilling to participate in the owners' affairs. However, his stay became fateful for the town.

The Tchaikovsky family lived in the manager's house built on the central square opposite the Alexeyevskaya church. Initially, the house was wooden, but after a fire in 1832, it was rebuilt in stone. Here, little Petya, the future composer Pyotr Ilyich, spent just over a year before leaving for studies in St. Petersburg.

When the stone house was being built, the workers made mistakes, and Ilya Petrovich began a major renovation. There is a version that he placed a coin under the floor, which became a talisman of luck. The coin was found during the reconstruction of the house-museum.

Alexandra Andreyevna Tchaikovskaya, Ilya Petrovich's wife, immediately took on household duties, while he focused on his official responsibilities. He was an effective manager, modernizing production and achieving increased wages for workers. He also secured funds from the owners to purchase livestock for the workers. He was respected, and many asked him to be the godfather of their children.

Before leaving for Alapaevsk, Petya fell ill and had to be taken along. Although he lived in the town for a short time, he later recalled this period as one of the happiest in his childhood. He was accompanied by three younger cousins, and the house was filled with joy. Later, he had a nanny, Anastasia Petrova, who became his friend.

Once, Petya confided a secret to his governess: "I will still be a great musician!" Later, he dedicated his first work, "Anastasia-Waltz," to her.

In Alapaevsk, Tchaikovsky loved to play in the garden, and his games, such as "The Doll's Funeral," later became part of the piano collection "Children's Album." The years spent in Alapaevsk influenced his creativity. He said that the "Russian element" in his music was connected to this town, where on Sundays women sang chastushki, and young people danced in circles.

In Alapaevsk, Tchaikovsky read Gogol's "The Night Before Christmas" for the first time, which inspired him to create the opera "Cherevichki."

In the summer of 1850, Petya left for St. Petersburg but missed Alapaevsk and dreamed of returning. At the end of his life, he planned to visit the town to immerse himself in childhood memories again.

After the Tchaikovskys left, the manager's house was occupied by the French, who managed the factories until the early 20th century. Then the management passed to the Russian metallurgist Vladimir Efimovich Grum-Grzhimailo, who installed a memorial plaque in honor of the Tchaikovskys.

By the mid-1900s, the Tchaikovsky family was almost forgotten, but the situation changed thanks to Vera Borisovna Gorodilina, a musician and artist. She achieved the opening of a memorial room, and later a museum dedicated to Tchaikovsky. Today, this place is a highlight of the town, where the interior of the 19th century has been recreated, and rare documents and the piano on which Tchaikovsky played are preserved.

The museum is also known for its collection of musical instruments gathered by Vera Borisovna. The collection includes over 500 exhibits, including harps, accordions, and theremins.

In 1967, a monument to Tchaikovsky was erected in front of the museum, designed by sculptor Ushakov. In the 1980s, the museum building fell into disrepair, but thanks to public activists and UNESCO support, it was renovated.

Today, the house-museum is an important landmark of the Sverdlovsk region. On holidays, Tchaikovsky's melodies are played here, and children are allowed to play the instruments from the collection.