Evgeny Vakhtangov was born in Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz) on February 1 (13), 1883, in a wealthy Russian-Armenian family. His father was a prosperous tobacco manufacturer, his mother was also from a merchant family. Relations between parents and son, especially father-son relations, were tense throughout Evgeny’s whole life, so they left an indelible mark in his memory. It is no coincidence that Vakhtangov’s first works in the role of director, such as "Vanyushin's Children" and "The Reconciliation" touched on the topic of complicated family relationships. Contrary to his father's wishes, Evgeny refused to continue the family business and finally chose the theatre as his profession. He began the career in 1909 with admission to the Moscow theatre school of Alexander Adashev. There he received his education under the guidance of Konstantin Stanislavsky's associate Leopold Sulerzhitsky and one of the leading actors of the Moscow Art Theatre at that time Vasily Kachalov. In 1911, Vakhtangov already joined the troupe of the Moscow Art Theatre, where he gained experience in various fields: acting, directing, and even teaching – he was responsible for teaching the theatrical youth. Eventually, in 1913, Vakhtangov became the head of the Third Studio of the Moscow Art Theatre, nowadays known as Evg. Vakhtangov Theatre. In the Third Studio, in 1922, Evgeny Vakhtangov staged his most famous performance based on Carlo Gozzi's play “Princess Turandot". However, Evgeny was never able to see the success of “Turandot” – Vakhtangov died shortly before its premiere. Despite this sad fact, the performance was highly rated and appreciated by the audience, including Konstantin Stanislavsky. For Evgeny Vakhtangov, theatre was an art that can positively influence a person and society as a whole, art that can change the world. For Vakhtangov, the psychological aspects and inner experiences of characters of the play were important. The theatre was also for him a space where people can discuss important social and moral issues, and thus his performances raised topical issues of the time. Evgeny Vakhtangov had a significant influence on Russian theatrical art. His ideas continued to develop in the theatre even after his death. Up to the present day, the Vakhtangov Company tenderly preserve the legacy of their teacher. The collection of our museum contains portraits of Evgeny Vakhtangov in life and in roles. A significant part of the collection consists of posters, as well as sketches of costumes and scenery for Evgeny’s lifetime performances in the First and the Third studios of Moscow Art Theater.