Russian memorial museum of V.M. Shukshin

Altai Krai
86 Sovetskaya ul., village of Srostki, Altai Territory
Phones: +7 (3854) 761-285, +7 (3854)761-135
Web site: shukshin-museum.ru

Visitors can visit several locations which were defining in the life of the writer and director. These are the house where Shukshin spent his early childhood; the house of his stepfather, where Shukshin’s mother and children lived from 1941 to 1957 and which is associated with a significant period of the future writer’s life (including his military ubringing); the house where the writer lived in 1965–1971; and the House-Museum of his mother. The exhibit of the writer’s mother’s house is based on home furnishings and authentic family items, many of which were bought by Shukshin as a gift to his mother. As for the estate itself, much was done with the participation of the writer: with his help, the bathhouse was finished, a summer kitchen, a shed, and a veranda were constructed, and heating was installed for the house. Guests of the museum complex can also visit the school where Vasily Shukshin studied and worked for some time. Here, in the main building of the Museum, is a historical and literary exhibition called “V. M. Shukshin: Life and Works. 1929–1974”.

Russian memorial museum of V.M. Shukshin preserves the heritage of the famous Russian writer, film director and actor. Here, people collect, study and display everything related to his work. Vasily Shukshin passed away unexpectedly at the height of his creativity. He died of a heart attack in the cabin of the ship “Danube”, while filming the war film “They Fought for the Motherland”. The idea of organizing a museum arose immediately after his death. It was supported by dozens of enthusiastic associates, and by hundreds of selfless donors and connoisseurs of Shukshin’s work. The grand opening of the V. M. Shukshin Memorial Museum took place in 1978. Currently, and for the next few years, the Museum’s goal is to help as many people as possible learn about the work of this remarkable writer. A key “attraction” is the village of Srostki, which had a decisive influence on the formation of the writer’s personality. The ancient (more than two hundred years old) Siberian village of Srostki in the Altai Territory is the birthplace of Vasily Shukshin. It is located 36 km from the city of Biysk. From Srostki, Shukshin brought new themes and plots into his literature. He also leads the genealogy of his characters from here. The museum complex is a part of the tourist route “Small Golden Ring of Altai” and includes three buildings – landmarks with manors.

The museum and estate has a unique exhibit – a “Moskva” typewriter, which can be seen in the House of Shukshin’s mother. In an interview with “Literaturnaya Gazeta” in the summer of 1974, Vasily Shukshin admitted, “...There, in my native land, I always write with a kind of frenzy, with inexhaustible power...”. So, this typewriter, bought by the writer’s younger sister and loyal friend Natalia in 1965, was very useful in his native land. There is a touching story associated with the purchase of this machine. Vasily Makarovich gave his sister money for a coat, and when she saw a typewriter in the store, she decided to spend it on a gift for her brother. There is a souvenir shop at the Museum. Here, visitors can buy certain books with the writer’s works, and a complete collection of his works, as well as films with Shukshin’s participation (on DVD), t-shirts and headscarves with the Museum’s logo, magnets, and other souvenirs. In the mid 1980s, in the city of Biysk, a “Shukshininsts’ Club” was founded. Journalists, teachers, and cultural workers united around researchers studying Shukshin’s work and became regular participants in conferences, discussions, meetings, and events held at the museum. In his works, Shukshin masterfully depicted the life of the “little man”. These are stories of ordinary people – touching, sometimes eccentric, but kind and sincere. Some of his characters, along with their children and grandchildren still live in the village of Srostki.