Museum of Bells in Izmailovo
On a recent visit to the famous Izmailovo market (Vernisazh) with a client, we discovered, completely by accident, a special museum of Orthodox Church Bells located in the attractive wooden and brick towers of the spectacular Kremlin in Izmailovo which was built in old Russian style of architecture. We were especially lucky that we met Konstantin, a professional bell ringer with 17 years experience. He was a pupil of the best Russian bell ringers and occasionally rings the bells in the Ivan Bell Tower in the Moscow Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and in the bell tower of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. He provided us with very interesting information about the history of traditional bell ringing in Russia, the different types of bells, the shapes of bells from the 17th to 21st century. He demonstrated different types of bell ringing and we listened, fascinated, to the sounds of the bells, totally in awe. After this performance of amazing music, Konstantine gave my client a couple of lessons for beginners. Then we went downstairs into the small museum where he showed us photos and examples of Orthodox bells.
The Museum of Bells in Izmailovo was created as a result of 20 years of scientific research by specialists from The Society of Church Bell Ringers lead by Igor Konovalov, senior bell ringer of Cathedrals of Moscow Kremlin and Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
We were so exited that the hour we were in the museum just flew by. I really recommend a visit here. The reasonably priced tour can be arranged in advance for everyone who goes to Izmailovo market. You will have fun for sure!
Konstantin Mishurovsky and Jo Johnson. Discussion about basic foundations of Orthdox Bell Ringing in Russia.
Orthdox Bell Ringing, foundations, museum
page: 1
#1john george Date: 02.05.2008
Loved the picture, as a bellringer in Cornwall England I find the Russian way of ringing facinating would absolutly love to go to Russia and visit some towers. How wonderful it is after 70 years of restrictions by the communists that the young are getting it all back. Of course in the U.K. we ring full circle that means the turns on a wheel. best wishes John George.
page: 1
Note: These Moscow Photos are to help you familiarize yourself with Moscow's Sightseeing and my services. The photos in my albums are protected by international copyright law. You may keep my photos in your personal albums or, you may use these images as personal wallpaper on your computer, but, they are not for distribution (commercial or non-profit). If you would like to buy a specific photo, feel free to make your request via E-mail. I do hope you enjoy my work as photographer. Many of these photos were taken during excursions with my clients. You can find my pictures in Internet under nickname "ArtLook" (short from Arthur Lookyanov) at the follow websites:
Moscow, Russia 
Contact: Arthur Lookyanov