MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS

The former palace of the diplomat Alexander Polovtsev was turned into a museum in 1938. Of the 24 original parts, only a dozen remain, of which only some have been restored. The reception room and the small lounge in an eclectic oriental style deserve a visit. The architectural ensemble is reminiscent of a mosque, with an iwan and an inner courtyard, the reception hall even having a mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca. A quote from Umar Khayyam - "The world is a palace with two doors, through one you enter, through the other you leave. " - adorns one of the doors of the great hall with walls entirely covered with painted stucco. Carved wooden columns support an impressive painted wooden ceiling. The central fountain was unfortunately covered with marble a few years ago. Just behind it, the small salon where the hookah was smoked has also suffered from the restoration. In the exhibition rooms you will see suzani (embroidered drapes) from different periods, tioupé (embroidered caps) in the first room, pottery and ceramics in the second room, wood carvings, musical instruments and jewellery mostly from the 20th century. At the end of the route, you can linger at the souvenir shop which offers beautiful local handicrafts. There is also a small café in the courtyard for a hot drink or refreshment at the end of the visit.