Russian Museum of Ethnography

The Russian Museum of Ethnography is a building in the Palace District of St Petersburg that preserves evidence of life among different peoples. Exhibition halls show clothing, tools, furniture, and religious objects from different climate zones and social structures.

Tsar Nicholas II founded the institution in 1895 as part of a larger museum to document the cultural heritage of different communities. Holdings grew considerably through expeditions and donations in the following decades.

The collection carries names from several historical periods and administrative areas because it shows regions once under a single rule. Visitors see examples of handwork, daily objects, and ceremonial dress that trace life in rural areas and towns.

The museum opens from Tuesday through Sunday in late morning and closes in early evening, with wheelchair access at the entrances. The central location in the historic center makes a visit easy to combine with other sites.

A nobleman donated extensive records of rural life in the late 19th century that now form a core part of the holdings. These materials contain drawings, notes, and questionnaires documenting field research in remote villages.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Inception: 1902

Official opening: 1902

Address: Inzhenernaya str., 1/4

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-19:00

Website: http://ethnomuseum.ru

GPS coordinates: 59.93806,30.33444

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29