Rimsky-Korsakov memorial museum goes up in flames

The composer’s home and museum at Lubensk, near St Petersburg, has been destroyed by fire.

It is the house where Rimsky died in June 1908.

The cause has not been definitively established, but careless builders are under investigation.

The director of the museum, Nina Kostenko, writes: ‘Yesterday, a terrible disaster occurred at the Rimsky-Korsakov Memorial Manor in Lubensk. A fire broke out in the main house of the manor. On each of our tours, we told visitors about this wonderful corner with an apple orchard, how cozy Lyubensk inspired Nikolai Andreevich. The estate was carefully restored, and the descendants of the composer transferred there many original objects. It is impossible to come to terms with the fact that much is now irrevocably lost. How fragile everything around us is, a moment can destroy the past saved forever. Of course, the house will be restored, but many items are lost irrevocably. Our deepest condolences to the museum staff who had to experience this terrible event. We understand what pain it is for them, for the descendants of the composer and for all of us.’