The estate on Podsosenki Lane, formerly known as Vvedensky, has existed since the late 18th century. It retains ancient chambers that were once the main house of the estate. This building, located deep within the plot, was expanded by three floors during the Soviet era. Originally, the estate belonged to the Plavilshchikov factory owners, and in 1839 it was acquired by Elisei Savvich Morozov, a representative of a well-known merchant dynasty. In 1878-1879, his son Vikula Eliseevich built a new house for the family along the red line of the lane. The project was developed by architect Mikhail Chichagov. The new house was executed in an eclectic style with a rusticated facade and elegant stucco. The main attic is adorned with a cartouche featuring the letter 'M' (for Morozov), and the entrance gates are designed in the same style. The interiors were done in various styles: classical, Russian, and Renaissance.
In 1895, the estate was inherited by Alexei Vikulovich, the eldest son of Vikula Eliseevich. He decided to change the mansion's interior to his taste and invited architect Fyodor (Franz) Shekhtel, who had already worked with the Morozov family. Shekhtel created the interior decoration, which became one of the peaks of his creativity, showcasing his original style and mastery.
For the mansion on Vvedensky Lane, Shekhtel designed a two-light study with a staircase to the second floor, a library, and a rococo-style living room, as well as an entrance hall in the Egyptian style. Artist Mikhail Vrubel and sculptor Sergey Konenkov were involved in the interior work.
The study and library are executed in Gothic style, with wooden finishes and coffered ceilings adorned with carvings and paintings. The study is illuminated by tall stained glass windows, and the staircase leading to the second floor is decorated with carvings and wooden figures of a dragon and a gnome. Under the staircase is a large marble fireplace. The wooden panels of the study at the second-floor level are decorated with painted panels by Mikhail Vrubel on themes from Goethe's 'Faust,' which are now housed in the Tretyakov Gallery. The rococo-style living room is decorated with French tapestries, and its ceiling features gilded carvings and is partially made of glass with backlighting. Fortunately, the mansion's interior has remained almost unchanged.
The last owner of the estate was Alexei Vikulovich Morozov, a representative of the famous merchant family. He inherited the family firm and factories but showed no interest in business, passing the affairs to his younger brother Ivan. Alexei Vikulovich was passionate about collecting, amassing unique collections of Russian porcelain, engravings, and icons.
According to contemporaries, he was a man of refined intellect and cultured, preferring cultural activities over business. He wanted to bequeath his collection to Moscow but did not manage to do so. After 1917, his collection and the estate were nationalized and distributed among museums.
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