“Bestsellers of the Writer’s House” sounds like a fascinating tour. Today, we’re standing before the State Literary Museum XX Century in St. Petersburg. It is a treasure trove of Russian literature.
The State Literary Museum XX Century was established in 2007. Its foundation lies in the Museum-Apartment of Mikhail Zoshchenko. The Zoshchenko Museum opened in 1992. It is located in the famous Writer’s House on Griboyedov Canal, number 9.
This house, designed by A.K. Bourgeois, dates back to the mid-19th century. Initially, it was home to musicians of the Court Orchestra. But in 1934, the house’s literary history began. Representatives of various literary associations resided here. These included the Serapion Brothers and OBERIU. Others were Pereval and the authors of Chizh and Yozh magazines. Literary scholars and formalists also lived here.
Mikhail Zoshchenko, Veniamin Kaverin, and Nikolai Zabolotsky were among the first settlers. Nikolay Oleinikov and Evgeny Shvarts also lived here. Over 130 known names called this place home. Within these walls, classic works of Russian Soviet literature were born.
The Writer’s House, as it became known, saw Zoshchenko at the peak of his fame. From 1934, he occupied a 5-room apartment. His neighbors included N. Zabolotsky and V. Kaverin. B. Kornilov, N. Oleinikov, and Vs. Rozhdestvensky also lived there. M. Slonimsky, V. Stenich, B. Tomashevsky, O. Forsh, E. Shvarts, and B. Eikhenbaum were also residents.
However, Zoshchenko’s success was not without its trials. In 1946, the journals Zvezda and Leningrad negatively reviewed his work. His writings were no longer printed. Facing severe financial hardship, he agreed to exchange his large apartment for a smaller one with extra pay. Through a series of exchanges, the writer eventually occupied a smaller 2-room apartment.
The State Literary Museum XX Century actively participates in city festivals. It also organizes exhibitions. It presents lecture projects. The museum invites visitors to creative meetings. These meetings are part of the Literary Environment project.
One priority for the museum is working with children. They have developed museum programs on 20th-century literature. The museum offers walking tours of the Writer’s House and the city center.
Today, the State Literary Museum XX Century offers thematic excursions. You can take tours such as “Secrets of the old house”. You can also explore “On Malaya Konyushennaya street to visit M. Zoshchenko”. Or, you can follow “Following the tracks of Sergei Dovlatov”. These tours provide insights into the lives and works of these literary figures. The State Literary Museum XX Century stands as a testament to Russia’s rich literary heritage. It is a place where the past comes alive.