These treasures are collected in museum displays housed in magnificent palaces continuously beautifying the architectural landscape of the city. Tourists visiting St. Petersburg may find themselves overwhelmed not only by the variety of local art galleries but also their quantity. The following article will list some of the top art and culture museums and provide a comprehensive guide to sightseeing and enjoying St. Petersburg’s cultural heritage.
State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
One of the world’s most distinguished museums offers its visitors a wide array of artistic artifacts – from rustic Siberian ornamental tapestry, through seizures of specimens obtained in conquered lands, to world-famous masterpieces of art created by European artists. Among countless other exhibits, Hermitage visitors can admire rare antiquities, Attic vases, prehistoric art, as well as collections of art originating from three continents which are exhibited in the royal State Rooms. The museum’s main displays are located in the Winter Palace open daily except for Mondays from 10am to 6pm.
State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg
The museum boasts a myriad of art collections – many previously confiscated from private collectors – such as marble statues and ornaments telling the history of Russian fine arts. Housed in four palaces, the Russian art collection promotes Russia’s domestic achievements in the areas of painting, sculpturing, tapestry, and many others. One interesting place to see is the Stroganov Palace whose aim is to pay tribute to distinguished Russian aristocratic dynasties for their input in the development as well as preservation of national art and cultural treasures.
Museum of Applied Art in St. Petersburg
The museum contains a rich collection of arts and crafts historically related to Russian life-style and indoor design. Over 30 thousands of crafty and priceless items are exhibited in several halls of the museum and include furniture, porcelain, and chandeliers of highest artistic quality. The museum functions as an educational facility teaching the history of Russian interior decorations. A true taste of "Russian Soul".
Other Art and Culture Museums in St. Petersburg
There are many more worthwhile destinations for tourists in Russia. St. Petersburg Museum of Dolls is an interesting gallery featuring not only the craftiest and uncommon Russian nesting dolls, but also lead soldiers, theatrical costumes from a variety of performances as well as historical Slavic ornaments and designs. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. Another interesting place is the Museum of Non-Conformist Art which features independent creations by mostly young local artists.
Artistic and cultural exhibitions in St. Petersburg, Russia, give tourists a chance to acquire substantial knowledge about the history of the country and fine arts in an entertaining and insightful fashion. Likewise, the St. Petersburg's museums of science give Russian tourists an idea of the country's industrial and military growth in the past centuries. For more information on traveling in Russia see Vacation in Russia - Travel Tips.
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