State Cultural Center and Museum of Vladimir Vysotsky

The idea of Vysotsky Museum foundation appeared in 1980, just after the poet's death in 1980. The Taganka Theater, where Vysotsky had worked as an actor, was overflowed with letters from ordinary people who offered the establishment of the exposition dedicated to the life and creativity of the outstanding poet and bard (a singer who wrote songs outside the Soviet establishment). At the same time the initiative group consisting mainly of those who worked with Vysotsky and admired his talent was formed. In 1987 the special bank account for the Museum's foundation was opened. The honorariums of the concerts dedicated to the memory of Vysotsky as well as private donations were transferred to the account from all over the country. Finally, in June, 1992 the State Cultural Center and Museum of Vladimir Vysotsky was opened. Since 1996 the poet's son Nikita Vysotsky has headed the Museum. Today the Museum of Vladimir Vysotsky that in the course of over a decade has grown into quite a large scientific, research and cultural center comprises a permanent exhibition devoted to the life and creativity of Vysotsky and a gallery for temporary thematic exhibitions representing the whole epoch the poet lived in. The permanent exhibition occupies two floors. Among the exhibits there are unique documents, pages of scripts, pictures, playbills, as well as Vysotsky's manuscripts that bear witness of how thoroughly the poet polished and perfected each line. Those who are interested in Vysotsky's life and work are sure to find information on the poet's family, houses where he lived, his friends, wives and beloved, his concerts and trips abroad, his creative plans, which were not fulfilled. The Museum's exposition is organized so that a visitor can do without the help of a guide. People that come to this Museum often say that they feel themselves not like the visitors of a museum but like the guests at Vysotsky's house. And although the poet had never happened to live in the house in Nizhne-Tagansky Tupik, the Museum's workers tell that not so long ago a photo was found where Vysotsky points at the entrance of that very building where now the Museum is housed. So it has turned out that the bard has himself chosen a house where he would live after his death.