Pushkin House

About

Pushkin House (Russian: Пушкинский Дом), established in 1954, is the UK's oldest independent Russian cultural centre, now based in Bloomsbury, London. It was founded by a group of émigré Russian friends, led by Maria Mikhailovna Kullmann (Zernova), with the aim of creating a welcoming meeting-place "for the enjoyment, understanding and promotion of Russian culture in all its forms, and for the exchange of views in a lively, informal atmosphere, with freedom of speech a core principle". It continues to host a programme of Russian literature, poetry, art, cinema, music, theatre and dance, history, philosophy and current affairs. Events include lectures, exhibitions, films, concerts, readings, panel discussions, debates and an annual Book Prize. It is a politically independent, registered UK charity, owned and run by the Pushkin House Trust. While its original endowment ensures its independence, it also derives an income from ticket sales and donations from the public.

History: In 1953 Maria Kullmann recognised a need in London for a politically neutral centre of Russian culture. With a small group of family and friends she bought 24 Kensington Park Gardens, Notting Hill, as a house...