The restoration of Stravinsky’s country estate in Utsyluh is coming to an end

According to Volodymyr Tereshchuk, the director of the newly created establishment “Ustyluh Children’s Art School – Stravinsky’s House-Museum,” the exterior of the building already corresponds to the authentic one by hundred percent. The interior of course has undergone certain changes: a sewer system and a solid fuel boiler have been installed. A spacious hall has been completed and new ceiling lamps which fit in the atmosphere of Stravinsky’s time will be supplied soon. The second floor which was built above the house in the Soviet time has been dismantled and the roof has been restored based on old photos.

As is known, the world-renowned composer Igor Stravinsky called Volyn town of Ustyluh a “paradise corner” for his creative work. He came there on vacations to see his uncle and became fond of the picturesque place on the bank of the Luha River. After getting married, he built this house in 1907 according to his own project specifically in Ustyluh’s vicinity. The building has survived far from best times as it has housed not only a music school, but a dormitory for workers. Volodymyr Tereshchuk has taken care of the museum for many years, being the headmaster of the children’s music school. Recently he has officially become the person in charge of the museum. The new museum exposition is being assembled and it is supposed to be installed before June 15. The construction works in the house will last till the end of May. One hundred forty thousand hryvnias have been allotted from the oblast budget for the arrangement of the exposition. And the cost of restoration works is four million hryvnias allotted from the state budget. In the future it is planned to improve the territory attached to the memorial house. It includes an area of one hectare, nice lindens and poplars. Actually the Stravinsky Museum in Ustyluh has long ago become an attractive object of tourism, but after this restoration it will look more modern and authentic. It will be recalled that the readers are welcome to see the exposition on the website “Ukraine Incognita”.

IGOR STRAVINSKY