In Badenweiler, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov spent the last month of his life and passed away on July 15, 1904. In August 1998, the only museum dedicated to Chekhov in the Western world, named "Chekhov Salon," was opened here. This museum regularly hosts author readings, discussions, creative meetings of writers from different countries, and theatrical performances.

On June 5, 1904, Chekhov arrived in Berlin with his wife. His first impressions of Germany remained unchanged: clarity and honesty, affordable cost of living, thriftiness and cleanliness, as well as excellent bread, butter, beer, lamb, and oatmeal. However, he did not like the taste in the clothing of German ladies. Soon he wrote from Badenweiler, a resort in the Black Forest, that health here is strengthened significantly, not just a little.

Chekhov's last two letters from Badenweiler are dated June 28, 1904. He complained about the heat, high temperature, shortness of breath, stomach problems, and boredom at the resort, as well as the lack of stylishly dressed women. He wrote no more letters. At three o'clock in the morning on July 15, 1904, weakened by illnesses, including tuberculosis, Chekhov requested a glass of champagne and, uttering "Ich sterbe...", passed away.

The "Chekhov Salon" museum, opened in 1998, has become a venue for international meetings of cultural figures and all those interested in literature. It continues the traditions of 19th-century literary salons, serving as a center for the exchange of spiritual experiences and knowledge. Each section of the museum tells its unique story.

In the early 20th century, Russia and Germany were closely linked not only by dynastic ties but also by cultural and economic bonds. About 10% of the guests in Badenweiler were citizens of the Russian Empire. In 1904, Chekhov, seriously ill, came here and soon died from a lung disease he had suffered from for over twenty years.

Four years after his death, Russian friends and admirers, including Konstantin Stanislavsky, erected a monument to Chekhov in Badenweiler. This was the first monument to the great writer and the first monument to a Russian person outside of Russia. At that time, cosmopolitanism and love for art overcame the nationalist arrogance of the Wilhelmine Empire. However, later, in the decline of world culture, the monument was melted down for military needs.

For many years, Chekhov and his work became victims of political conflicts. Only since 1954 did Badenweiler begin to remember literary traditions and strive for reconciliation with the Soviet Union, restoring the memory of Chekhov.

The revival of interest in Chekhov in Badenweiler was accompanied by events aimed at improving relations between East and West, despite political obstacles. Chekhov became a playwright whose works were most often performed on German-speaking stages, which corresponded to the spirit of the post-war era and contributed to his recognition as an initiator of literary modernism.