Depicting the Convicts: The Museumification of Varlam Shalamov’s and Joseph Jugashvili’s Residences in Vologda

ABSTRACT The article analyzes two regional museumified residences as well as the representation of the Stalinist era in these spaces. In today’s Russia, museums do not always present an obvious line of confrontation between pro-Stalinist and anti-Stalinist positions. The two analyzed museums, despite many differences, do not conflict with each other, but rather exist in different genres. The article offers an explanation for these differences and demonstrates how the exposition of one museum (Jugashvili’s residence) is embedded in a colorful, nationwide historical collage, while the other (Shalamov’s residence) has a much more distinct message and relies on the actions of enthusiasts.