Author of numerous novels, short stories, poems and essays, Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977) remains a towering figure in world literature of the 20th century. It is not just Nabokov's literary merits that have made him one of the brightest figures of Russian and world culture. The many facets of Nabokov's talents as well as his extraordinary life have thrust him into the higher ranks to become a "legend", a literary celebrity. Initiated by UNESCO, the Nabokov Centennial will be celebrated world wide this year. Every country where Nabokov lived at different times - Russia, Great Britain, France, The USA, Switzerland - will pay tribute to this great writer.

    Vladimir Nabokov spent the first 18 years of his life in the Nabokov family house at 47 Bolshaya Morskaya Street in St. Petersburg. In September, 1997, the house opened as the V.V.Nabokov Museum, thus becoming the core link between the writer and his native city. Its exposition recounts the history of the Nabokov family and the house were they lived. The annual Nabokov Conferences take place there.