Fyodor Shekhtel was one of the most famous architects of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the designer of buildings that have largely shaped the image of Moscow. The exhibition explores his legacy through his drawings — the primary tool with which the architect created and developed his ideas. Sketches, drawings and design materials offer an insight not only into the completed buildings, but also into the very process by which an architectural concept took shape.
The exhibition’s design is structured around the principle of an architectural mood board – just as Shekhtel himself collected images, materials and details for his projects. Each of the eight galleries features its own combination of textures, colours and materials, reflecting the character of the works on display. Metal, stone veneer, ceramics and painted surfaces create an environment in which all elements work together to support the central role of the graphic works.
When creating the exhibition, it was important to maintain respect for the museum’s historic interiors. The exhibition does not seek to alter how they are perceived, but rather enters into a dialogue with them — the building’s architectural details become part of the visitor’s journey.
This approach continues Shekhtel’s own working principle: attention to materials, proportions and details, and the creation of a cohesive environment where architecture, interior design and decorative elements coexist. In this way, the exhibition allows us to view the architect’s legacy not only as a collection of famous buildings, but also as a living creative process.