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In March 1998 the State Russian Museum, the world's largest museum of Russian Art, celebrated its Centennial. Having undergone an extensive renovation program, the museum's main building, the Mikhailovsky Palace, has now been restored to its former glory and is open to visitors as usual.
The museum, originally called the "Russian Museum of Emperor Alexander III", was established in 1895 and opened its doors to the public on March 7 (19) 1898. The first few pictures that formed the original collection were donated by the Hermitage, the Academy of Fine Arts and the various royal palaces surrounding St. Petersburg.
Since then the collection has grown rapidly and the museum now hosts exhibitions in four separate venues in St. Petersburg's city center. All the branches of the museum are within short walking distance of each other and the city's central tourist attractions:
The Mikhailovsky Palace and the Benois Building
This is the main building of the museum and showcases examples of Russian art from icons dating back to as early as the 14th century to modern canvasses from the beginning of the 20th century. The museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions.
The Mikhailovsky (St Michael's) Castle
Hosts a permanent collection of Russian Official Portraits plus regular temporary exhibitions.
The Marble Palace
Modern Russian art from the early 20th century to the present plus an insightful display from the Rossica Collection - paintings by foreign artists resident in Russia. Also hosts regular temporary exhibitions
The Stroganov Palace
Collection of Russian icons, once owned by the Stroganov family and a display of historical waxwork figures.
Admission:
All four branches of the Russian Museum are open Wednesday to Monday, 10 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
N.B.! All four branches of the State Russian Museum are closed on Tuesdays
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