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Russian Museum

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Russian Museum (Russia)

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The State Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg is the world's largest depository of Russian fine art and a central pillar of the city's cultural heritage. It was founded in 1895 by a decree from the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, in memory of his father Alexander III, and it officially opened to the public in 1898. The main seat of the museum is housed within the magnificent Mikhailovsky Palace, a masterpiece of the Russian Empire style designed by the Italian architect Carlo Rossi. The comprehensive collection spans from 10th-century Byzantine icons all the way to contemporary Russian art. Among the most famous exhibited works are Karl Briullov's monumental painting 'The Last Day of Pompeii' and Ivan Aivazovsky's 'The Ninth Wave'. Today, in addition to the Mikhailovsky Palace, the extensive museum complex also includes the Stroganov Palace, the Marble Palace, and the St. Michael's Castle.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-9-8-3411151817125-1-6
Rain mm494143526990989863736658

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The magnificent interior spaces of the Mikhailovsky Palace are fully accessible to visitors, allowing an up-close appreciation of the vast Russian art collection.
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Typical hours
The exhibitions are typically open to the public during the daytime from Wednesday to Monday, while the museum regularly remains closed to visitors on Tuesdays.
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Photography
Taking photographs for personal use without a flash or tripod is generally permitted in the permanent galleries, though temporary exhibits may be more restricted.
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Time needed
To genuinely appreciate the enormous variety of paintings and sculptures on display, visitors are highly encouraged to set aside at least three to four hours.
Combine with
Following your museum tour, a relaxing stroll through the adjacent Mikhailovsky Garden or a short walk to the nearby Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is well-suited.
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Getting there
The museum is easily reachable via the Nevsky Prospekt or Gostiny Dvor metro stations, followed by a brief and pleasant walk to the centrally located Arts Square.
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Insider tip
It is highly recommended to secure your admission tickets in advance online, as long waiting lines frequently form at the main ticket counters during the peak season.

Geography

Coordinates
59.93890, 30.33220

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Sights in the town Russian Museum (8)

Mikhailovsky Palace🏰 castle

Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the main building of the Russian Museum.

Russian Museum🏛 museum

Art museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, showcasing Russian art from the 10th to 21st centuries.

🕒 Mo,We,Fr-Su 10:00-18:00; Th 13:00-21:00; Tu off

Mikhailovsky garden🌳 park

Park in Saint Petersburg, Russia, laid out in the 18th century.

Russian Museum of Ethnography🏛 museum

Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, displaying cultures of Russia's peoples.

🕒 Tu 10:00-21:00; We-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Korpus Benua🏛 museum

Building of the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, named after Leontius Benois.

Mikhailovsky Theatre

Russian opera and ballet theatre located in Saint Petersburg.

Arts square gallery

Gallery in Saint Petersburg, located on Arts Square.

Inner Voice

Gallery in Saint Petersburg, featuring contemporary art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the entrance?
At the Mikhailovsky Palace.
How much time to plan?
Plan about 3 hours.
Is it good for seniors?
Yes, there are seating areas.
Is there a shop?
Yes, at the exit.
Are there tours?
Yes, by appointment.
Russian Museum: where is it located?
Russian Museum is located in Russia.
Russian Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mikhailovsky Palace, Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky garden.
Russian Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Russian Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The State Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg is the world's largest depository of Russian fine art and a central pillar of the city's cultural heritage.
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