"A wise professor in soft shoes": writer Yevgeny Grishkovets brought Kaliningrad to life at the National Centre RUSSIA

A vivid poetic image of Kaliningrad was presented to guests of the National Centre RUSSIA by the writer, musician and playwright, Honorary Citizen of the city, Yevgeny Grishkovets. In response to a question from one of the audience members at a creative meeting held at the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition, he shared how, in his view, the capital of the westernmost region of the country might look if embodied as a person.

"Definitely a man. Certainly not a young one. Rather, he could be described as elderly. You know, the image of an elderly university professor, a doctor, who has favourite students. And he is already a wonderful grandfather who enjoys playing with his grandchildren and telling them stories. He has a great many stories, and it is pleasant to talk to him. He is wearing a good coat, some kind of soft shoes, and he has a walking umbrella in his hand, because rain in Kaliningrad can start at any moment. That is how I imagine him," Yevgeny Grishkovets shared.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

In this concise portrait, the writer masterfully captured the very essence of his beloved city — teacherly wise, European in its elegance, Russian in its good nature, and warm in a family sense. He showed that Kaliningrad is not merely a point on the map, but a true living interlocutor with a generous soul and a rich biography.

Kaliningrad Region Days are being held at the exposition "Book of Fairy Tales" at the National Centre RUSSIA from 13 to 18 January. Visitors can attend the region’s themed programme events free of charge by registering in advance on the russia.ru website. The current schedule of events is available in the "Events" section.