House with elephants (Golovkin's dacha)

Russia, Samara Region, gorodskoy okrug Samara, Sovetskoy Armii Street, 292

Photos

  • Дом со слонами (дача Головкина). Photo 1

Description

The House with Elephants, the former dacha of Konstantin Golovkin, located at Sovetskaya Armii Street, 292 in Samara, is an architectural monument and an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Built in the Art Nouveau style in 1908-1909, this house was the result of the joint work of Golovkin himself and the architect Valentin Vladimirovich Tepfer.

The dacha was created with the unique approach of Golovkin, who was actively involved in the design and even production of sculptural elements, such as the famous elephants placed in front of the house's facade and the female sculpture at the southern facade. As if playing with mockups and layouts, Golovkin persistently worked on every detail until he achieved the desired result.

After the revolution, the Golovkin family left Samara, and the dacha was transferred to the new authorities. At different periods of time, a hospital, a kindergarten and a club were located here. In 1929, the dacha was transferred to Vodokanal, which used the building as a club. However, renovation work and central heating caused damage to the structure and interior of the building.

In Soviet times, a reconstruction was carried out, which changed the appearance of the house. The original interior, described as elaborate and artistic, was subsequently lost.

In 2021, reconstruction of the house began with the aim of restoring its original appearance. It is planned to complete the work by 2024.

This house attracts attention with its unusual architecture, which differs from typical Russian buildings of the early 20th century. It is influenced by the architecture of the Viennese Secession and is of interest to both historians and architecture enthusiasts. Despite the various legends associated with this place, it remains an important cultural heritage site, attracting the attention of researchers and tourists.

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