State Museum of the History of Religion

On the Grid : The State Museum of the history of religion

"St. Petersburg is definitely a city of world religions. A synagogue, a mosque, and a Lamaistic temple can all be found on the same street (OK, this isn’t quite true). Here you can visit Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches. Alternatively, you can visit the Museum of the History of Religion. Take an English audio guide and embark on a journey that'll take you all the way from shamanic beliefs to Protestantism. At the far end of the hall of the history of Russian Orthodoxy there are sneering anti-religious posters of the Soviet era, which make for a fascinating showpiece. Elderly museum attendants feel right at home amid the statues of philosophers and religious leaders. Ritual wheels that you can spin hang inside the hall of Buddhism, and a decorated elephant stands behind glass. Oh, and don't forget the meditation chamber, where you can take a rest in front of a 3D image of Sukhavati, the pure land of Amitābha." - Nimax