On the night of 16 to 17 May at the same time nearly 2000 museums in 42 countries in Europe will host an action “Night at the Museum”, dedicated to the International Day of Museums

history museum night festivities around the International Day of Museums, 18 May, Europe started in 2001 in Paris and quickly gained popularity in all major European capitals.

Moscow

first time Moscow had joined the European countries in 2007, when the shares «Night at the Museum» was attended by several city museums, to extend its work until 21:00. In 2008, they engaged more than 40 organizations of modern art - private galleries, foundations of culture, art sites and the first private museum, united in the alternative action «DOUTRART». She has not only long hours of work and free entry, but also a unique event, produced specifically for the holiday. The success was enormous, with a few variables: the audience was able to surprise the organizers to not quenched until the morning of curiosity, high activity and exceptional strength. It was an absolute record, exceeding the success of many of the monthly exhibitions: during the night in the event was attended by 450 thousand people.

In 2009, the audience will have more opportunities to satisfy their curiosity. This year, the shares of «Night at the Museum» takes part more than 100 art organizations (federal, municipal and private museums and galleries). Geography «Night» cover virtually the entire city, from the zone of the Garden Ring, the area of artistic and literary museums, memorials and museums, and large estate on the outskirts of ensembles. Activities will also differ in scope: some are widespread, and some are designed for 20-30 people, so register for them will need to advance.

For a great walk to the places of contemporary art, there is another reason. May 2009 unusually quiet: Art Moscow moved in September, and the Moscow International Salon of Fine Arts is canceled, and hence, the galleries and art centers had more passion and time to prepare for the «Night Watch».

This year, Moscow «Night at the Museum» can boast of this omnivorous: the participants are not only artistic and architectural museums, but also military history, natural sciences. Besides creativity, many figures of recent contemporary art might envy. Fascinate the name already points the night of the State Biological Museum. KA Timiryazev: «Hosts Night», «Under the tropical rain», «Flying to the light».

For those who love not only consume but also create art event «Night at the Museum» will also be very useful. Curators Multimedia Arts Complex topical ready to share the night with young talent: in the central Manezh everyone will be able to demonstrate their professional portfolio. But the main «practical» meaning of night entertainment - eksperimentatorsky Drive, a chance to see up to a few hours, meet new associates.

Based on the experience of last year, the organizers provide a convenient night-time navigation and guarantee: lost or not come in time it will be impossible . The site posted a detailed plan for the Moscow event, special maps, guides will be issued prior to . Each project area will be equipped with information stands, indicating the nearest institution-owl. And among the main points of «Night at the Museum» company will run free buses. the Moscow subway that night goes on till 3.00 am .

St. Petersburg

May 16 museums, large and small, will be open all night from 18.00 to 06.00. Each museum has prepared a special program just for this single night of the year. People are waiting for: one-day exhibitions, concerts, plays, unusual tours, unexpected master classes, theatrical performances and competitions.

In 2008 in the St. Petersburg «Night of Museums» municipal museums and exhibition halls took more than 24 thousand visitors. In the equities involved 33 museums.

In 2009, more than 40 museums, galleries, exhibition halls and libraries open doors to show all the fun than the rich in their collections. Some museums have prepared a program of the evening (from 18.00 to 23.00) for those who expects to catch the subway. Everyone who is willing to walk a long night of Petersburg, invite museums night program (from 21.00 to 06.00).

As in 2008, the museums and will work together during the campaign on a single ticket. A single ticket «Night of Museums - 2009» entitles entrance to 25 museums in the evening and night programs, and free travel on buses shares. Free shuttle service between the participating museums will be organized after the end of the urban public transport (from 23.00 to 06.00). Single ticket price of 250 rubles.

For more information about programs of St. Petersburg museums parties, bus routes and ticketing can be found here .

Material prepared Elena Vladimirova, AI

Sources: nochvmusee.ru , artnight.ru , artinvestment.ru