Yulia Aksenova, a Moscow based curator and researcher.
Your secret art venue when you seek peace and quiet
That’ll be the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. When I need to escape from the outside world I always go there. The museum itself boasts a very quiet and almost magical location in the heart of Moscow. I recommend a morning visit, it’s less crowded and the atmosphere is very peaceful. Not to mention the exquisite collection of paintings. 
The best food experience in an art space
One of the nicest museum restaurants is located in the new building of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. It is a perfect example of the Dutch minimalistic design set in an artistic environment. Along with delicious food and spectacular views of the city, which can be enjoyed through the museum’s glass walls, the Stedelijk restaurant is worth a visit for a casual lunch or a three-course dinner. 
A museum gift shop that you never leave empty handed
Without any doubts – the MOMA store. It’s not only a museum gift shop, but also the best design concept store in NYC.
Your museum with a wow-factor
DIA Foundation. The scale of the museum and the exceptional quality of the works amaze even the most experienced and spoilt art professionals and enthusiasts.
Please share with us a special personal memory related to a museum experience
One of my favorite curatorial projects was an installation by Lithuanian artist Zilvinas Kempinas. It was installed at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in 2011. When I arrived in New York for the first time I rushed to MOMA and the first thing I saw there was a Zilvinas’s work. I was so mesmerized by it that immediately decided to bring his installation to Moscow. As it turned out the artist has heard a lot about the Garage Museum building (A/N at that time the monument of constructivism, Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage designed by Konstantin Melnikov) so the project successfully came to reality. Ever since Zilvinas became my close friend and every time I come to New York he takes me for a wonder around on his scooter. These happy moments are something I love making the exhibitions for. 
