Academy of Arts, Neoclassical architectural landmark in Vasileostrovsky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The Academy of Arts building stands majestically along the Neva River with its elegant neoclassical facade featuring decorative moldings, columns, and a central courtyard designed to mirror the dimensions of St. Paul's Cathedral dome in Rome.
Established in 1757 by Empress Elizabeth and completed in 1788 under Catherine the Great, this institution became Russia's premier art academy, training generations of influential artists including Karl Bryullov, Ilya Repin, and Valentin Serov.
The building houses the Raphael and Titian Halls decorated with classical motifs, ancient Egyptian sphinxes from the 14th century BC, and serves as a federal cultural heritage site preserving Russia's artistic legacy.
Located at 17 Universitetskaya Naberezhnaya, the academy is accessible via Vasileostrovskaya metro station and offers guided tours, museum exhibitions, and educational programs for visitors interested in Russian art history.
The academy's circular courtyard was specifically designed to replicate the exact dimensions of St. Paul's Cathedral dome in Rome, while ancient Egyptian sphinxes from Amenhotep III's reign guard its entrance.
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