Moscow, a city deeply intertwined with literary history, is home to the State Literary Museum, one of the most significant institutions dedicated to Russian literature. Officially known as the State Museum of the History of Russian Literature named after Vladimir Dahl, this museum serves as a guardian of Russia’s literary past, preserving the legacies of some of the world’s most renowned writers.

Founded in 1934, the museum houses a vast collection of manuscripts, personal belongings, rare books, and artworks related to great Russian authors such as Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anton Chekhov, and many more. Through its exhibits, archival materials, and interactive displays, the Literary Museum offers an immersive experience into the world of Russian literature.

I. The History of the Literary Museum

1. Founding and Early Years (1934)

  • The State Literary Museum was established in 1934, during the Soviet era, as part of a broader effort to preserve and promote Russian literary heritage.

  • It was initially housed in various historic buildings before expanding into multiple branches across Moscow.

  • The museum’s mission was to collect, study, and exhibit materials related to Russian writers, poets, and literary movements.

2. Expansion and Development

  • Over the decades, the museum’s collection grew through acquisitions, donations from literary families, and state-sponsored efforts.

  • It became a hub for literary scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts, offering access to rare documents and first editions.

  • Today, the museum operates multiple branches, each dedicated to specific authors or themes.

II. Key Exhibits and Collections

1. The Manuscript Archive: Original Works of Russian Literary Giants

  • One of the most treasured sections of the museum is its manuscript collection, which includes:

    • Handwritten drafts by Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov.

    • Personal letters, notes, and unpublished works.

    • Early printed editions of classic Russian novels and poetry.

  • These documents provide insight into the creative processes and personal lives of Russia’s greatest writers.

2. Personal Belongings of Famous Writers

  • The museum showcases furniture, clothing, and personal items from the homes of famous Russian authors, including:

    • Pushkin’s quill and ink set.

    • Tolstoy’s reading glasses and writing desk.

    • Dostoevsky’s Bible and prison notes from his time in Siberia.

  • These artifacts help visitors connect with the real-life struggles and inspirations of these literary legends.

3. Rare Books and First Editions

  • The museum holds one of Russia’s most impressive collections of early printed books and literary journals.

  • Highlights include:

    • First editions of "War and Peace," "Crime and Punishment," and "Eugene Onegin."

    • Original Soviet-era publications and censored works.

    • Rare poetry collections from the Silver Age of Russian literature (e.g., Anna Akhmatova, Osip Mandelstam).

4. Thematic Exhibits: Russian Literary Movements and Eras

  • The museum regularly hosts exhibitions on different literary movements, including:

    • Golden Age of Russian Literature (19th century) – Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, and Tolstoy.

    • Silver Age (early 20th century) – Symbolists, Futurists, and Avant-garde poets.

    • Soviet Literature and Censorship – The impact of political repression on writers like Bulgakov and Solzhenitsyn.

  • These exhibitions provide a historical context for how literature evolved under different regimes.

III. The Museum’s Branches and Literary Houses

1. The Main Museum (Turgenev House on Trubnaya Street)

  • Located in a historic Moscow mansion, the main branch of the museum features permanent and temporary literary exhibitions.

  • This venue serves as the administrative center and houses the museum’s core collection.

2. Tolstoy House Museum

  • The Tolstoy House Museum is a separate branch, preserving the Moscow residence of Leo Tolstoy.

  • Visitors can see his library, writing desk, and personal artifacts, offering insight into his everyday life.

3. The House of Dostoevsky

  • Another key branch is the Dostoevsky House, dedicated to the author’s life in Moscow and literary achievements.

  • It includes historical reconstructions of his study, family memorabilia, and first editions of his novels.

4. Pushkin House and Other Literary Residences

  • The museum also oversees several historic homes of Russian poets and writers, preserving them as cultural landmarks.

  • These residences transport visitors back to the literary salons and intellectual gatherings of 19th-century Russia.

IV. The Museum’s Role in Literary Education and Research

1. Literary Events and Conferences

  • The museum frequently organizes literary readings, conferences, and book launches.

  • It serves as a platform for literary scholars and young writers to engage in discussions about Russian literature.

2. Digital Archives and Online Exhibits

  • In recent years, the museum has worked on digitizing its vast collection, making rare manuscripts and books accessible online.

  • Virtual exhibitions allow global audiences to explore Russian literary history from anywhere in the world.

3. Guided Tours and Educational Programs

  • The museum offers thematic tours, lectures, and workshops, tailored for students, historians, and literature enthusiasts.

  • Popular topics include:

    • The Influence of Russian Literature on World Literature.

    • Banned Books in Russian History.

    • The Private Lives of Russian Writers.

V. Visiting the Literary Museum in Moscow

📍 Location:

  • Main Museum Address: 17 Trubnaya Street, Moscow, Russia.

  • Various branches are spread throughout Moscow.

🚇 How to Get There:

  • Metro Stations: Trubnaya, Tsvetnoy Bulvar, or Chekhovskaya.

  • Bus and tram routes stop nearby.

🎟️ Ticket Prices:

  • General Admission: ~500 RUB.

  • Discounted Tickets for Students and Children: ~300 RUB.

⏰ Opening Hours:

  • Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

  • Closed on Mondays.

VI. Why Visit the Literary Museum?

✔ Step into the world of Russia’s greatest writers and poets.
✔ See rare manuscripts, first editions, and personal belongings of literary legends.
✔ Learn about the evolution of Russian literature from the 19th century to the Soviet era.
✔ Explore historic literary homes and experience the atmosphere of the past.

For literature lovers, the Literary Museum in Moscow is an unmissable destination, offering a rich and immersive journey into Russia’s literary heritage.

The Israel Museum (Jerusalem)
Complete List of Museums in Israel
Complete List of Museums in China
Complete List of Museums in Sweden
Video tour of the Sistine chapel
Video tour of the Uffizi Gallery
Video tour of the Louver
Video tour of the Metropolitan museum
Sistine Chapel, Vatican - address and location
Something on the Vatican Museums
St. Paul Basilica, Vatican
Titanic Museum in USA, Pigeon Forge
American Museum of Natural History, USA, NY
Brooklyn Museum, NY, USA
The Jewish Museum in New York, USA
The Holocaust Memorial museum in Washington, USA
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA
Museum of russian art, New Jersey, USA
Mutter Museum of Medical History, Philadelphia, USA
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
Water Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
Best dinosaur museum in Moscow, Russia
Bread Museum in Izmailovo, Russia
Feodosia Money Museum, Ukraine
A. V. Bleschunov museum of Private Collections, Odessa
Cathedral Svyatogorsk Monastery Museum
Fire Fighting Museum in Kiev
Kerch Historical and Archaeological Museum, Ukraine
Lviv Art Gallery, Ukraine
Lviv Museum of Brewing, Ukraine
Reina Sofia art center, Spain, Madrid
Prado Museum: description, how to find it in Madrid, the location on the map
Art Museum of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, Spain, Madrid
Museum Spanish Village, Barcelona, Spain
Pablo Picasso Museum in Malaga, Spain
Museums in Saint Petersburg
Museums in Moscow
Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow, Russia
Cathedral of the Archangel, Moscow, Russia
Cathedral of the Assumption, Moscow, Russia
Сatherine’s Palace, Pushkin, Russia
Church of the Deposition of the Robe, Moscow, Russia
City Sculpture Museum in St Petersburg, Russia
Kunstkammer, St. Petersburg (the anthropology and ethnography museum) - first Russian museum
The Literary Museum in Moscow, Russia
Monino Air Force Museum, Russia
The Armoury Chamber in Moscow, Russia
Museum of Applied Art and Everyday Life of XVII century Russia
Moscow Kremlin – Museum, Russia
Museum of Printing in Russia, Saint Petersburg
Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, Russia
Pushkin fine arts museum, Moscow, Russia
Railway Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Repin museum - Penates, Russia, Saint Petersburg
Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
The State Hermitage Museum, Russia, Saint Petersburg
History of the State Tretyakov Gallery and its location on the map
Painter Ivan Aivazovsky biography
What can be seen in the house of Caesar
Ancient Alexandria, Egypt
Which collections assembled by Cardinal Richelieu
What was the Museion, Egypt
Academy Gallery, Venice, Italy
Axel Munthe house, Venice, Italy
Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
Correr Museum Venice Italy
Ferrari museum in Italy, Maranello
Gallery Brera, Milan, Italy
Italian Museum of Modern Art, Rivoli, Italy
Museum furniture in Italy, Valle d’Aosta
Museum of 18th century Venice, Italy
Museum of Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
Museum Poldi Pezzoli, Italy, Milan
National archaeological museum of Naples, Italy
National Museum of Bargello, Florence, Italy
Boijmans - Van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam
Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem, Holland
Mauritshuis museum, Gaaga, Holland
Municipal Museum Amsterdam, Holland
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Holland
The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, Holland
Best Munich Museums & Galleries: Art, History & Culture Guide
Berlin Portrait Gallery
Bavarian National Museum, Munich, Germany
BMW Museum in Munich, Germany
German museum, Munich, Germany
Mercedes Benz Museum, Stuttgart, Germany
Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany - location on the map
Museum Brandhorst in Munich, Germany
Museum newspapers, Aachen - history of the museum and its description
Porcelain Museum, Munich, Germany
Toy Museum in Germany, Munich
Dresden gallery (Old Masters Pictures), Germany, address and video
Bode Museum in Berlin
Wine Museum in Paris, France
What is considered the pearl of the Louvre exhibit?
What did Napoleon do for the Louvre?
Rouen Museum of Fine Arts, France
Puppet Museum in Paris, France