Get acquainted with the museum collections of St Petersburg University from anywhere in the world
St Petersburg University has launched a virtual tour of the Vladimir Nabokov Museum on Bolshaya Morskaya Street. The event is dedicated to the writer’s 120th anniversary, which is celebrated this year. Now everyone who is interested can become acquainted at any time with the museum’s unique collection. The museum has the only collection of the writer's butterflies in Russia, his job cards, first editions of works, and other exhibits.
Pencils, pince-nez, the Scrabble game, an undercoat, a jacket, boots and a butterfly net are just a small part of the collection of the Vladimir Nabokov Museum of St Petersburg University. It has become available to visitors of the virtual tour. Now guests from all over the world will be able to look around the interiors of the Nabokov family’s flat. They lived here before emigrating from Russia. It is worth remembering that the museum became part of St Petersburg University in 2008. At present, it occupies the first floor of the house at 47 Bolshaya Morskaya Street.
A virtual tour is an integral part of any modern museum. First of all, its visitors will be able to get acquainted with the collection, and then become interested and come to look at the interiors of the Nabokov’s house. Secondly, this is an important project for foreigners, and all those who do not live in St Petersburg, who are unable to come to the museum to see the exhibits live.
Associate Professor Andrei Astvatsaturov, the Director of the Vladimir Nabokov museum
St Petersburg University pays special attention to the work of the famous writer. This year saw the creation of a research centre on the heritage of Vladimir Nabokov. Additionally, a panel discussion within the Education Section of the 8th St Petersburg International Cultural Forum will be timed to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the writer. This section is traditionally organised by St Petersburg University. The event participants will discuss how Vladimir Nabokov influenced contemporary literature and how he is interpreted in different countries.
Note that the virtual tour of the writer’s museum was the second one launched by St Petersburg University. This spring, the Dmitri Mendeleev's Museum and Archives opened its doors to virtual guests in honour of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Periodic Table. It is celebrated worldwide this year by the decision of the UN. Here you can see the collection of the scientist’s inventions, his personal belongings, original interior items and, of course, materials related to the construction of the Periodic Table.