Polina Stroganova: curator

Where would we find you on a rainy Sunday afternoon?

Polina Stroganova, director of 401 Contemporary Art Gallery The Barbican and Southbank Centre are both great places to hang out, see exhibitions, watch movies and have nice drinks/food.

What do you do to recreate Germany in the UK for yourself when you feel homesick?

I would watch a German movie.

Which German author or book is a must-read in English?

Robert Musil’s 'Der Mann ohne Eigenschaften' (engl. The Man without Qualities).

What advice would you give a German tourist?

If you don’t want to lose time waiting for delayed public transport while moving through town, check http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk. It can be very useful especially if your trip to London is rather short.

What is the best souvenir /gift to bring back from Germany for your British friends?

Homemade Christmas cookies, Haribo.

What’s your earliest UK memory?

Summer 1994, hanging out at the Sandown Pier (Isle of Wight) while trying to learn English.

Which is your favourite street or store for shopping?

I love Dover Street Market and Rose Bakery.