The 18th century mansion, where Alexander Pushkin spent three first months of his family life has come down to us. This building endured the overall fire of 1812 (Napoleonic war), the turbulent years of the revolution, and twists and turns of the Soviet era.
Alexander Pushkin Memorial Apartment was opened as a branch of the Pushkin State Museum in February, 1986.
The poet rented this apartment and brought his young wife Natalia Goncharova here to rejoyce with her for three and a half happy months. The museum opening was timed to the 155th wedding anniversary of Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova.
The interior of the mansion recreates the style of that era, though there are not many of the poet's paraphernalia in the museum - it's only his personal desk with an inkwell.
The ground floor houses a permanent exposition dedicated to Pushkin's stay in Moscow. Its exhibits trace the poet's communications with the capital city and its dwellers. Paintings, letters, books and things of that era tell visitors about the life of that bygone time, and friends and hobbies of Alexander Pushkin.
The first floor, where the young couple used to live is their memorial apartment nowadays. There a few things here that remember the poet.
In post-revolutionary years the house was frequented by various celebrities, including Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Marina Tsvetaeva, and others. In modern times, poetic evenings, conferences, and concerts are held right in Pushkin's drawing room. Alexander Pushkin with his charming wife are observing it from outside - their monument stands right in front of the house, just across the road.
Over 50000 people visit the museum annually.
Open hours:
from 10 am to 6 pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday;
from 12 am to 9 pm on Thursday
Address: 53, Stary Arbat Street, near the Smolenskaya Metro Station, Moscow
Official website of Alexander Pushkin Memorial Apartment