Philip Treacy. Hats in the 21st Century. Exhibition on Myasnitskaya Ulitsa

Right across the street from the HSE buildings on Myasnitskaya Ulitsa there is an eye-catching bright-blue mansionwith a cour d'honneur and a portal decorated with white atlantes. This building has been closed for decades, but today it’s open and showing a unique exhibition of hats by Philip Treacy. This might be a good way to spend that spare hour between classes or meetings on Myasnitskaya.

Philip Treacy is an Irish hat designer based in London. He has designed hats for Chanel, Givenchy, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. His hats have been worn by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga, as well as characters in films, including the Harry Potter franchise. This exhibition in Moscow is the largest solo exhibition by Philip Treacy and features over 100 hats. You can find futuristic hats, hats made of feathers, metal, and plastic, as well as hats resembling flowers, a ship, Michael Jackson’s glove, David Beckham’s head, and many more.

The exhibition perfectly complements the interiors of the building, which soak the visitor in the atmosphere of a gothic castle. Blackened windows, futuristic lighting, video projections and ambient music all add to the impression. Probably the most impressive piece of décor is the white fireplace in a large hall with a mirror floor and white fretted walls, making the whole place look like the Snow Queen’s castle.

About the house: Dom Chertkova (Chertkov’s House)

This 18^th-century mansion has, at various times, been a residence, a library, an exhibition centre, and an artistic club. In the 19^th century it was rebuilt and redecorated by renowned Russian architects, including Fedor Schechtel, the most influential exponent of Russian Art Nouveau. The house was closed to the public for many years and prior to the reopening this year, we’d only been able to see it in movies . Today we can see being restored, and marvel at its unique Art Nouveau interiors, gothic ornaments and wooden walls.

Address: 7 Myasnitskaya Ulitsa

Open Tuesday – Friday from 12 pm to 9 pm; Weekends and holidays from 11 am to 9 pm; closed on Mondays.

Tickets: 500 roubles on workdays, 600 roubles on weekends and holidays.

The exhibition is open until January 25, 2015.

Tours in English are available for individuals or groups of up to eight people. The price is 2000 roubles regardless of the number of people. To reserve an excursion, book in advance by calling +7 (906) 055-8840.