The Avignon Theatre Festival is paying tribute to the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov by opening a major exhibition in his honor.

The project is part of the Year of Russia in France cultural program. The display opened at the estate museum of Jean Vilar, a French actor and director, who held theatrical gatherings in Avignon back in 1947.

The Chekhov exhibition occupies several halls displaying documents that detail his life and creativity, and about his plays that have been staged in numerous theatres across the world.

A considerable number of the exhibits were given by Russian museums – the Bahrushin State Central Theatre Museum, the State Literary Museum, the Museum of the Moscow Art Theatre and Chekhov's Memorial Estate.

The Avignon Festival, which is considered the world's largest festival for theatrical arts, opened in Avignon on July 7. This year it will present the audience with a number of musical and experimental performances.

The festival is being held for the 64th time and will last through to July 27.