The History of the Hunting Lodge Construction
The mansion in Gomel was built in 1820 by order of Nikolai Rumyantsev and designed by architect Ivan Dyachkov. It is located at the end of today's Pushkin Street. Despite its name, the building was not used for hunting, as the Rumyantsevs were not fond of this activity.
Architectural Features
The Hunting Lodge is a rectangular, single-story wooden structure, covered with brick and plastered. The main facade faces the city. At its center is a six-columned Doric portico with a terrace, with the outermost columns doubled. This emphasizes the central section, where the entrance is located. Above the portico, a second floor rises in the form of a mezzanine with a balcony, featuring a large semicircular arch with sculptural inserts. A bust of A.S. Pushkin is installed nearby.
Change of Owners and Historical Events
After the death of Count Rumyantsev, his property had no direct heirs, and by the mid-19th century, the building became the property of the Krushevsky noble family. They resided here until 1917. During the Soviet era, the building housed the first radio station in Gomel, later serving as the headquarters of the Emergency Commission and other state institutions.
The Hunting Lodge – A Museum of Gomel’s History
Since February 2009, the Hunting Lodge has held the status of an independent museum. The interiors of the noble mansion have been recreated, and both temporary and permanent exhibitions are held. The museum features seven exhibition halls, including a small drawing room, an office, and a dining room. Visitors can see authentic household items from the Rumyantsev era: collections of antique clocks, mirrors, paintings, furniture, and decorative elements once belonging to the princes.
