A.N. Kostyakov Museum of Land Reclamation and Hydraulic Engineering
The A.N. Kostyakov Museum of the History of Land Reclamation and Hydraulic Engineering is located in the former premises of the Department of Agricultural Reclamation at the A.N. Kostyakov Institute of Land Reclamation, Water Management, and Construction of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (RGAU-MSHA). The museum’s exposition includes over 1,000 exhibits. They are organized into three clearly defined exhibition complexes, each revealing key aspects of the institute’s life. The central and most significant object is the memorial office of the founder of domestic hydromelioration science, Aleksey Nikolaevich Kostyakov. He worked here from 1927 until the end of his life. The office retains its original atmosphere: his personal belongings are displayed, including his scientific library, manuscripts, photographs, writing desk, and typewriter. A special place is occupied by his fundamental work “Fundamentals of Land Reclamation,” which went through six editions and was translated into many languages. The first exhibition complex consists of a group of materials that detail the history of the institute’s establishment and development. Its chronological scope covers the period from the creation of the engineering department of the Moscow Agricultural Institute in 1894 to the present day. This section serves as a systematic chronicle of the institution’s growth and transformation. The second complex is dedicated to scientific and technical achievements. It features unique patented inventions by the institute’s scientists. Among them are the automatic pulse sprinkler, Professor D.Ya. Sokolov’s wooden propeller turbine for small hydroelectric power stations, and the lysimeter – a device for measuring the amount of water percolating through various soil layers. These exhibits provide tangible evidence of the practical results of research. The third complex is a display case with gifts from students, institute guests, and colleagues from Russian and foreign universities. This collection symbolizes the recognition and broad academic connections of the institution, demonstrating its place in the international educational and scientific community. The museum began operations at the end of 1987 as the Museum of the History and Development of the Moscow Hydromelioration Institute. Today, it performs functions of preserving historical memory, educational activities, and popularizing scientific achievements. Advance booking is required to visit the museum and take tours. The museum offers two themed tours: “History of the Development of the A.N. Kostyakov Institute of Land Reclamation, Water Management, and Construction” and “Life and Scientific Activity of A.N. Kostyakov.” The museum is a significant center where the history of the institute, its scientific feats, and the personal legacy of the outstanding scientist A.N. Kostyakov are preserved for future generations of researchers, students, and all those interested in the development of land reclamation and water management in Russia.
Address: Moscow, Pryanishnikova St., 19
