Museums of History and Politics

Since its founding in 1703, St. Petersburg has been at the center of an endless series of major historical events, first as the capital of the vast Russian Empire, then as the cradle of the Bolshevik Revolution, and since then as the second city of the Soviet Union and modern Russia. To better help you understand the vital role the city has played, there are a number of museums on offer which chart different aspects of the story of the city that has been known as Petersburg, Petrograd, Leningrad, and St. Petersburg.

Cruiser Aurora Infamous as the ship which started the October Revolution by firing blank shells towards the Winter Palace, the Cruiser Aurora is still moored in the Neva River, and is ever-popular with visitors who want to get a fell for where history was made. ›››

Central Navy Museum Founded on Peter the Great's decree in 1709, the museum is one of the oldest in the city. Now housed in the former Stock-Exchange, it has more than 1500 exhibits including various flags, historical documents, weapons and more. ›››

Peter and Paul Fortress One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a must-see destination for all visitors to St. Petersburg, and also contains a number of museums, including the headquarters of the St. Petersburg City History Museum. ›››

Museum of Political History Housed in a beautiful art nouveau mansion that played a vital role in the October Revolution, the collection of this fascinating museum is constantly updated to keep pace with current affairs, and has a particularly fine collection of Soviet propaganda material. ›››

Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad Probably the best of St. Petersburg's several museums chronicling the harrowing events of the 900-day Siege of Leningrad, this excellent museum contains a mixture of military memorabilia and personal civilian artifacts. ›››

Monument To The Heroic Defenders Of Leningrad Underneath the spectacular panoramic monument that greats visitors to St. Petersburg arriving from Pulkovo Airport, this small but impressive museum is an official celebration of the heroism and endurance of the Soviet Armed Forces in their defense of Leningrad. ›››

Kresty Prison Museum Part of St. Petersburg's notorious Kresty Holding Prison, which was once a model of progress, but has long been overcrowded and disease-ridden, this small museum offers an insight into the miserable lives of Russia's prison population, and is not for the faint-hearted. ›››

Rumyantsev Estate Museum The most extensive display to chart the history of St. Petersburg, this museum is located in a beautiful neoclassical mansion down the river from the Winter Palace. Renovations for the city's 300th anniversary have restored much of the house to its historic glories. ›››