A special exhibit opened on Friday in Russia's Far-Eastern city of Vladivostok to celebrate the 215th birthday of national poet Alexander Pushkin.

The exhibit, held in the city's Arseniev State Museum -- the largest museum in the Primorsky Krai region -- features collections of memorabilia associated with Pushkin, as well as statuettes and porcelain sculptures of the cultural icon.

There are some 40 special items on display at the exhibit, with collections of rare books a particular highlight, according to Irina Karginova, a scientific specialist from the museum.

"You can find the 1859 edition of the poet's collected works, French version of his literary pieces translated by Prosper Merimee, even the cookbooks of Pushkin's family," she said.

Organizers said the exhibit, which runs till early September, is aimed at promoting Russian culture and literature among local residents, especially students.

The Russian poet and writer, born on June 6, 1799, is recognized as a founder of the modern Russian literary language. He was the author of the novel in verse "Eugene Onegin," seen as one of the most significant works in Russian literature.