State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. It occupies six magnificent buildings situated along the embankment of the River Neva, right in the heart of St Petersburg. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tsars that was built to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1754-62. This ensemble, formed in the 18th and 19th centuries, is extended by the eastern wing of the General Staff building, the Menshikov Palace and the recently constructed Repository.
Put together throughout two and a half centuries, the Hermitage collections of works of art (over 3 million items) present the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century.
Location: Dvortsovaya nab. 34.
Russian State Museum
The largest collection of Russian art in the world, with a collection numbering around 400,000 items, the State Museum is housed in the former Mikhailovsky Palace in the centre of old St. Petersburg, itself a monument to Imperial Russian architecture.
Location: Inzhenernaya ul. 4.
Museum of Theatrical and Musical Arts
The building where the Museum of Theatrical and Musical Arts is situated is closely connected with the history of theatrical art in Russia. It was the residence of imperial theatres directions and Drama school. The collection of the museum counts 400 thousand unique exhibits, which illustrate the history of the Russian and West-European theatre in 17th-20th centuries, the work of the greatest directors, actors, drama artists. There is also a concert hall and videolecture-hall.
Location: Pl. Ostrovskogo 6a.
National Pushkin Museum
The National Pushkin Museum has an extensive collection of personal belongings connected to the life and creativity of the great poet, and a portrait gallery of Pushkin and other historical personalities. The poet's personal effects have been preserved for future generations to enjoy and all creative work, from writings to portraits, by and about him is stored in the museum in order to give a fully rounded view of this symbol of artistic Russia.
Location: Volkhonka st, 10, 12, 14
