Pushkin Literary Museum

Housed in a beautiful empire-style mansion dating from 1816, this museum is devoted to Russia’s favourite poet’s life and work. Personal effects, family portraits, (mostly) reproductions of notes and handwritten poetry provide insight into the work of the beloved bard. Tours (adult/child costs R120/50) are held daily at 1pm and 3.30pm. The elegant interior re-creates a fancy 19th-century atmosphere, especially the grand ballroom, which is decorated with mirrors, sconces, chandeliers and heavy drapes. Several rooms are dedicated to Pushkin’s specific works, demonstrating the links between his personal life and the poetry he produced. Perhaps the most interesting exhibit is ‘Pushkin & His Time’, which puts the poet in a historical context, demonstrating the influence of the Napoleonic Wars, the Decembrists’ revolt and other historic events. This literary museum provides much more in-depth insights than the Pushkin House-Museum on ul Arbat.