Rimsky-Korsakov Museum Destroyed by Fire

Over 1,000 artifacts were lost in the blaze, which may have broken out because of the actions of negligent builders

On July 2, a devastating fire broke out at the Rimsky-Korsakov Estate in Russia's Pskov region. It is alleged that the fire broke out while builders were carrying out work on the roof of the house, using a risky technique that employs open flames. The builders in question are now having their practices scrutinized by the Pskov Investigative Committee.

At the center of the estate is Rimsky-Korsakov's house, which contains several thousand artifacts and until now served as a museum. The Russian composer purchased the house towards the end of his life, with the intention of passing it on to his children, and it was also the location of his death in 1908.

While about half the museum's artifacts could be saved from the blaze, at least 1,000 objects such as books, scores, and furniture were destroyed by the flames.

"[The Rimsky-Korsakov museum] is an object of cultural heritage and federal significance," wrote local governor Mikhail Vederniko on social media.

"Together with our colleagues from the Government," he continued, "we will do our best to restore the estate."

"I am already collecting and analyzing the statements of the responsible employees," said Svetlana Melnikova, the museum's General Director.

"The situation is dire, we are carefully examining all the details and providing the necessary assistance to the investigation. I am confident that those responsible for this incident will be punished."