Anna Akhmatova Museum In The Fountain House

Lonely Planet review

Housed in the south wing of the Sheremetyev Palace (1750-55), this touching and fascinating literary museum celebrates the life and work of Anna Akhmatova. St Petersburg's most famous 20th-century poet lived here from 1924 until 1952, as this was the apartment of her common-law husband Nikolai Punin. The apartment is on the 2nd floor and is filled with mementos of the poet and correspondence with other writers.

The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative. It's also an interesting chance to see the interior of an (albeit atypical) apartment from the early to mid-20th century.

Admission also includes the Josef Brodsky 'American Study'. Brodsky did not live here, but his connection with Akhmatova was strong. For lack of a better location, his office has been recreated here, complete with furniture and other 'artefacts' from his adopted home in Massachusetts.

Downstairs is a bookshop and video room where you can watch documentaries on the lives of Akhmatova and her contemporaries while drinking a cup of tea or coffee.