Saint Petersburg Mining University

Saint Petersburg Mining University is a technical institution along the Neva River with a symmetrical main building defined by a striking 12-column portico. The structure, built between 1806 and 1811, houses laboratories dedicated to raw materials research and environmental protection studies.

Empress Catherine the Great founded the institution in 1773 as Russia's first technical school, created specifically to train engineers for the mining sector. The building was constructed later in the early 1800s during a period of architectural expansion in the city.

The Mining Museum on campus displays over 240,000 mineral specimens, gemstones, and geological objects that reflect Russia's rich mining heritage. Visitors walk through collections showing the natural resources that shaped the nation's development.

The building stands in a central location along the Neva riverbank and is accessible by public transport. The Mining Museum welcomes visitors on designated days and offers a clear overview of its collections.

During World War II, the campus produced two tons daily of an explosive called Sinal to support military operations. This wartime role reveals a chapter of the institution that extends far beyond classroom instruction.

Inception: November 1, 1773

Founders: Catherine II of Russia

Website: http://spmi.ru

GPS coordinates: 59.93006,30.26837

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:24