The exhibition features, for the first time, photographs and documents from the family archive of the writer and playwright Ilya Ilf, items from the collections of other museums and private collections, as well as works by contemporary artists — comics from the Zukclub art group and graphic narratives by Maxim Chumin, Kirill Kutuzov, and Evgeny Kiyamov.

In 1923, the future co-author of the novels "The Twelve Chairs" and "The Golden Calf" moved from Odessa to Moscow, which had recently regained its status as the capital. The new authorities planned to turn the city into a focal point of attraction for all progressive humanity, hence Moscow was destined to undergo significant changes. The city was expanding, buildings were being demolished, and new structures were emerging in their place. Monasteries and churches, fortress walls and water towers were disappearing, replaced by boulevards, government offices, cultural centers, and metro stations pavilions.

Ilya Ilf immediately fell in love with Moscow and very soon became a Muscovite while still maintaining affection for his "distant homeland". Becoming fascinated with photography in 1929, he captured a personal perspective of the city in his snapshots. Everyday life became the subject of his interest: family, friends, and colleagues. Ilf didn't ignore the important transformations — for instance, his photographs of the destruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior were taken from his own balcony.

Curator: Roma Liberov

museum: Museum of Moscow

area: 400 m2
exhibits: 250 pcs

types of exhibits: paintings, graphics, photography, video.

exhibition architecture

photo by Roma Liberov