Pushkin House

The Russian Literature Institute began its life in December 1905 as the main centre for Alexander Pushkin studies in Imperial Russia.

This museum, which is to bear Pushkin's name, will encompass everything concerning our outstanding artists of the word, including their manuscripts, personal belongings, first editions of their works.The idea won support from all sides and was welcomed by Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich.

[1] In 1907 Vladimir Kokovtsov, Minister of Finance, came up with the proposal to acquire a huge collection of Pushkin manuscripts and memorabilia amassed in Paris by Alexander Onegin from 1879 onwards.

Such "honorary" directors as Anatoly Lunacharsky, Lev Kamenev and Maksim Gorky ensured its safe passage through the hardships of the Revolution.

The collections of the Pushkin House, partly housed in a modern block hidden behind the Neoclassical facade, include numerous manuscripts from the 13th century onward, portraits and personal documents of leading Russian authors, as well as a galaxy of rare music recordings.

Pushkin House as seen across the Malaya Neva and Exchange Bridge . The pediment is crowned with the bronze statues of Neptune , Mercury , and Ceres .
The Neoclassical interior
The Institute of Russian Literature, as seen from across the Malaya Neva