In this remarkably beautiful building on Arbat in Moscow, the literary career of one of the outstanding figures of the Silver Age, Boris Zaitsev, began. He lived here while studying at Moscow University. The house was built in 1814, but in the early 20th century, it was significantly remodeled, adding elements of eclecticism. The building belonged to merchant Chulkov, who turned it into a rental property, and it was on the 4th floor that Zaitsev rented an apartment.

His apartment was a true literary salon. At that time, renowned writers such as Andrei Bely, Konstantin Balmont, Maximilian Voloshin, Leonid Andreyev, and many others gathered here. They read their works, discussed new projects, and shared ideas about creating their own literary magazine. Konstantin Balmont stood out for his energy and theatricality. Sometimes, while reciting new poems, he would ask his colleagues to stand on the table to feel like they were among the palms of distant Polynesia.

However, the poets learned that their creative meetings were dangerously close to a threat only after some time. In 1905, downstairs, gendarmes discovered a terrorist organization that was making bombs and storing weapons in a rented apartment. In the event of an explosion, the cream of the intelligentsia of the Silver Age could have perished.

Over time, Boris Zaitsev himself changed. His works became known, and he began to outwardly imitate his idol Anton Chekhov, even growing a small beard. He often strolled along Arbat in a wide-brimmed hat, a cloak, and with a cane. Passersby, seeing him, often asked, 'Who is that?', to which their companions would reply, 'Zaitsev, the writer!'. After the revolution, Zaitsev headed the All-Russian Union of Writers and then emigrated from the country. He passed away in France in 1972, living for 90 years.