This museum is notable for its uniquely arranged exhibitions, elegant interiors, and rare artifacts. It is one of the largest regional literary museums in Ukraine, founded in 1977 through the initiative of Mykyta Bryhin and opened to visitors in 1984.
The palace housing the museum was built in the early 1950s, designed by architect L. Otton, and originally belonged to Prince D. I. Gagarin. The interiors blend classical, baroque, and empire styles. According to historians, the renowned Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt once performed in the magnificent “Golden Hall.” In 1898, the city council, which leased the building from the Gagarins, handed it over to the Odesa Literary and Artistic Society, which united writers, artists, musicians, and actors. The society held meetings here until 1903. Notable figures such as Henry Longfellow and Ivan Bunin read their works here. The famous Ukrainian actress Maria Zankovetska also performed in the palace, while Vladimir Jabotinsky — a Zionist and future ideologue of the creation of the state of Israel — impressed audiences with his performances and writings.
The museum welcomes between 90,000 and 100,000 visitors annually. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, it regularly hosts displays celebrating writers’ anniversaries, literary evenings, classical and jazz concerts, book presentations, and conferences. In 1995, a sculpture garden created by Leonid Viktorovych Liptuga was opened in the museum’s courtyard, featuring 13 humorous sculptural compositions dedicated to writers, literary characters, and figures from Odesa folklore.
The museum offers free admission on the last Sunday of every month.
Photo: Discover.ua
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