So many museums in St. Petersburg are widely known. There are plenty of options for those seeking an alternative to the classics or an engaging pastime. Explore our selection of must-visit unusual and interesting museums in St. Petersburg.
5 Interesting Museums in St. Petersburg:
National Show Museum “Grand Maket Rossiya“
The world’s largest layout of Russia, covering an area of 800 square meters, is an artistic embodiment of the country’s image. From the Far Eastern borders to the amber shores of the Baltic Sea, this extensive exhibition captures the essence of various cities and regions, showcasing the diverse activities of the country’s inhabitants. With over 200 trains covering nearly 2,500 meters of track, accompanied by dynamic lighting and sound effects, the museum provides an immersive experience for both children and adults.
Scale Model Museum «Petrovskaya Akvatoria»
Witness a rendition of Peter’s St. Petersburg in this museum, where all objects, including lost ones, are recreated as they appeared in the mid-18th century. The historical model, on a scale of 1:87 and spanning over 500 square meters, features a water-filled basin stylized as the Neva and the Gulf of Finland. The perimeter showcases models of architectural ensembles in Petersburg, offering a glimpse into the city’s life from the time of Peter I to Catherine the Great, complete with moving figures, carriages, and ships.
Russian Railway Museum
As the main railway museum in Russia and one of the world’s largest technical museums, it provides an engaging and accessible way for both adults and children to explore the history of railways and rail transport. With 28,000 exhibits, including over a hundred pieces of rolling stock, visitors can see a steam locomotive in cross-section, take a ride in a vintage carriage, play the role of an engineer, and visit a restaurant car.
Museum of Music
Housed in the opulent Sheremetev Palace, this museum holds several collections, with over three thousand musical instruments on display. Russian bells coexist with a violin crafted by the famous Italian master Stradivari, and medieval knight signal horns stand alongside replicas of musical instruments from ancient times. The museum aims to showcase the evolution of instruments across various cultures, allowing visitors to experience the rich history of music.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and captivating museums that St. Petersburg has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, technology, or the arts, the city provides a range of options for an enriching and entertaining cultural experience.
Museum of the History of Money
Situated in the Anninsky Cavalier building on the territory of the Peter and Paul Fortress, the exhibition is based on the unparalleled collection of Goznak, the Russian agency responsible for the production of coins and banknotes.
The Peter and Paul Fortress holds a significant place in the history of Russian currency circulation. In 1724, by the order of Emperor Peter I, a coin production facility was established in the Trubetskoy Bastion, and shortly afterward, its modern building was constructed on the Cathedral Square. Thus began the history of the St. Petersburg Mint, now a branch of Goznak. The exhibition “History of Money” features unique coins, stamping tools, and rare items related to banknotes (including unapproved designs). Many of these objects are displayed for the first time.
Visitors have the opportunity to hold in their hands a coin minted from 5 kg of pure gold, examine their banknotes under a microscope, observe dynamic models of a coin factory and an eighteenth-century paper mill, compare the coin-making processes then and now, and, of course, learn to distinguish genuine banknotes from counterfeits, experiencing the feeling of being a millionaire!
These are just a few examples of the diverse and captivating museums in St. Petersburg have to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, technology, or the arts, the city provides a range of options for an enriching and entertaining cultural experience.
