Fyodor Shalyapin’s name and voice rings out over Russian theatrical cultural history like no other — he is essentially the Anna Pavlova of the opera world. Finding fame in roles such as Boris Godunov and Don Quixote, he performed to immense acclaim across Europe, thanks partly to his participation in Diaghilev’s 1909 Russian Seasons. This 18th century house which he had restored and made his Moscow home, is full of relics from the famous friends such as Rachmaninov and Levitan who met him here and stands as a beautiful example of early 20th century style, full of exquisite bureaus, chaise lounges, silk wallpaper and even an old gramophone. Ask the women to turn on recordings of his singing to make the experience even more atmospheric.
