The State Museum of Political History of Russia
The mansion of the celebrated ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya, in which the museum is housed, is a marvellous example of Art Nouveau architecture. The display occupies 27 halls and covers three centuries of Russian history.
Arctic and Antarctic Museum
The Arctic and Antarctic Museum, devoted to man's exploration of the North and South Poles and the earth's polar regions, is the only one of its kind in the world. The dramatic story of Russian and Soviet polar exploration unfolds before visitors to this museum. From the first days of polar navigation in the Russian Far North to the modern-day research stations in Antarctica, the breathtaking achievements of scientists and travelers are covered in great detail and illustrated with authentic artifacts. About 5,000 items are kept and displayed here, including personal collections belonging to polar explorers, documents, photographs, archaeological artifacts, models of ships, and authentic objects and equipment from the historical expeditions of Willem Barents and the Soviet and international expeditions of the recent past.
Blockade Museum
The exhibition focuses on the history of the defense of Leningrad (1941-44), and the life of the city during the 900-day siege. There are more than 35,000 exhibits, including the personal belongings of the defenders of the city, army newspapers, diaries, soldiers' letters from the front, photographs, weapons, decorations, paintings and drawings by front-line artists.
Monument to the Defenders of Leningrad
This monument commemorates the heroism of the people of Leningrad, who defended their city during the 900-day
siege in the war of 1941-45. It was opened on 9 May 1975- the 30th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.
The stone sarcophagi contain relics of the blockade, including "money-box" lamp and a blockade ration book.
Piskariovskoye Cemetery
At this sobering place one can truly understand the scale of tragedy that this city (then called Leningrad)
lived through during the Second World War. For over 2 and a half years the Nazis kept Leningrad under siege,
but its heroic defenders, both soldiers and civilians, did not surrender. Hundreds of thousands of people died
in the city (mostly of cold and starvation) during the siege. About half a million of them, including 420,000
civilians, are buried in the cemetery's 186 mass graves. Near the entrance there is an eternal flame and two
pavilions, housing an exhibit of moving photographs and documents depicting the siege.
Museum of the History of Religion
The museum is dedicated to the history of various religions at different times and from different countries.
An exhibition entitled "The Gold Embroidery of the Russian Church" has been opened on the new premises.
This will be followed by a permanent display providing insights into archaic and traditional faiths, the religions
of the Ancient World, Siberian Shamanism, Orthodoxy, Old Belief, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam,
Buddhism, freemasonry, etc.
Military Museums
The Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps.
The museum, founded in 1703, is one of the oldest and largest in Russia. The museum contains the most valuable
collection of artillery items, small and cold steel arms, battle relics, military uniforms, graphics and awards.
The museum exhibition, which fills 13 halls, recounts Russia's military history, the development of its arms and
amour and the work of military engineers and signalers. There are large displays of weaponry and ammunition,
firearms and side-arms, military trophies, standards, battle paintings, decorations, uniforms and other relics.
The State Museum in Memory of A. Suvorov
The building was designed in the style of the Russian fortress. On display are the personal belongings of the
general, historical documents. Among the exhibits there are weapons, outfits, orders, medals, banners, mockups
of battles, paintings, drawings, decorative applied art and rare books. The museum also houses the country's
largest collection of tin soldiers, numbering some 50,000 pieces.
Naval Museum
St.Petersburg's Naval Museum is one of the largest naval museums in the world. Its origins go back to the
Ship-Model Chamber that was founded by Peter I. Today the museum boasts over 800,000 exhibits telling the story
of the Russian Navy from ancient times to the present day. These include about 2,000 models of old and modern ships,
5,000 paintings, a collection of ships' laying-down plaques, c. 7,000 examples of weaponry and combat equipment,
and a collection of medals, coins, navigational devices, maps and photo-material. It also houses over 3,000 flags
and banners, numerous war trophies and the personal effects of famous Russian seafarers and naval commanders.
Cruiser Aurora
is a monument to Russian shipbuilding and the history of the Russian Navy. The exhibition reveals the history
of the cruiser, the participant of four wars and revolutionary events in Petrograd of 1917. In terms of equipment
and armament, the cruiser was a model of early 20th-century naval machinery. One can see the engine-room,
boiler compartment and radio room. Rare photographs and documents relating to the ship's history are on display
along with the personal belongings of its crew.
