Ilsur Metshin about the Baki Urmanche Museum: «Our goal is to continue preserving the legacy of the artist»

Today, Ilsur Metshin visited the Baki Urmanche Museum on Shchapova Street. The museum has been operating since 1999 in a two-story building, which previously belonged to one of the city's merchants. The exhibition contains 305 exhibits, many of which were donated by relatives of the artist. Among them are personal belongings, photographs, paintings, and sculptures. The head of the museum Gelusya Asfandyarova gave the Mayor a tour of the building.

«Baki Urmanche is a talented artist and the founder of the Tatar professional fine art. His works can be found in 20 museums in Russia, as well as in private collections in the United States and Finland. However, our Kazan Museum is the central one», – said Mayor Ilsur Metshin.

He added that the museum collected exhibits that tell the most detailed story about the artist's life and work. «There are some very interesting works that are valuable for both art connoisseurs and professionals who study the work of famous artists. Our goal is to continue preserving the legacy of this artist», – the Mayor noted.

The museum was founded with the support of Mintimer Shaimiev, Tatarstan State Counselor. The location was chosen by Flora Akhmetova-Urmanche, spouse of Baki Urmanche. The building previously served as a merchant's mansion and was later rebuilt. During the Soviet era, there were apartments.

The museum primarily focuses on the personality of Baki Urmanche, it contains items donated by his wife and son. Additionally, the artist's works are also on display, including sculptures, graphics, and paintings.

The exhibition includes 305 items, of which 55 belong to the Kazan Museum Complex. One of the most remarkable works is the painting «Haymarket» by Baki Urmanche, where he experiments with bright colors. Visitors can also see the Tatarstan Triptych at the museum, which depicts the mosques and palaces of ancient Bulgaria on the right, Kazan with the Spasskaya and Syuyumbike Towers in the center, and Sviyazhsk with its monasteries and churches on the left. «Baki Urmanche showed his beloved land should always remain prosperous and harmonious», – shared the head of the museum.

The other 250 exhibits are currently in temporary storage. They consist mainly of photographs. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts literary and musical events and workshops.

Gelusya Asfandyarova describes the artist as the Tatar equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci, known for his paintings, poetry, and violin playing. His instrument is also featured in the museum's attic, donated by his son Aidar.

Baki Urmanche was the founder of fine art in Tatarstan. He created over 100 sculptures, 300 paintings, and more than three thousand graphic works. His works are exhibited worldwide and popular among art collectors.