Introduction
The Central Naval Museum located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Russia is a treasure trove of naval history and artifacts, and a must-visit destination for those interested in naval history and maritime lore. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the development of the Russian Navy from its earliest beginnings up to the modern day, and is one of the largest naval museums in the world. Here, visitors can explore an incredible collection of maritime artifacts, documents, scale models, paintings and photographs.
History of the Central Naval Museum
The Central Naval Museum was founded in 1709 by Peter the Great, the first Emperor of Russia. The museum was originally intended to be a repository for various items related to the history of the Russian Navy. Over the years, the museum has grown to include a vast collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Russian Navy’s development from its earliest days to the present.
The museum was originally located in the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg, but in 1805 it was moved to the former Stock Exchange building. The museum was further expanded in the 19th century and in 1844 it was moved to its current location in the former Naval Cadet Corps building.
Highlights of the Central Naval Museum
The Central Naval Museum houses a wealth of naval artifacts and documents from all eras of the Russian Navy. Among the highlights of the museum’s collection are:
- Ship models – The museum has a large collection of scale models of various types of ships that were used by the Russian Navy throughout its history, ranging from ancient galleys to modern warships.
- Weapons and uniforms – The museum also has a variety of weapons and uniforms that were used by the Russian Navy, including muskets, sabers, and uniforms from different periods.
- Paintings and photographs – The museum has a collection of paintings and photographs depicting Russian naval vessels in action, as well as portraits of prominent naval figures.
- •Documents – The museum also houses a variety of documents, including log books, orders, and other records from the Russian Navy.
Visiting the Central Naval Museum
The Central Naval Museum is open to the public every day from 10am to 6pm. The museum offers guided tours in both Russian and English, as well as audio guides in multiple languages. Admission to the museum is free for Russian citizens and costs 150 rubles for foreign visitors.
Conclusion
The Central Naval Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia is a must-visit destination for those interested in naval history and maritime lore. Here, visitors can explore an incredible collection of artifacts, documents, scale models, paintings and photographs that tell the story of the Russian Navy’s development from its earliest days to the present. The museum offers guided tours in both Russian and English, as well as audio guides in multiple languages, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Russian Navy.