Pochtamtskaya Ulitsa, 14, St Petersburg, Russia, 190000
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Highlights
Tucked away in a quiet part of town, this captivating museum offers a deep dive into the world’s religions, showcasing stunning artifacts and a serene atmosphere.
Pochtamtskaya Ulitsa, 14, St Petersburg, Russia, 190000 Get directions
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
"The State Museum of the history of religion, Admiralteyskaya by Nimax. 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."
Wonderful museum hidden just steps away from a busy area. So much information and detail were given. Nearly all info in Russian only though, so beware. There is an audio guide or you can use your phone to translate. So many great things here about a wide variety of religions.
JC Williams
Google
Not a bad museum. It was dead when we got there and this might make you feel lost in a big city. It is in quiet area of town and doesn't have much around it. It was good though!
Dario Duran
Google
Get the audio guide. Very little has translations. In an accessible manner they do cover the history of religion. 450RBL entry and 250RBL fur the audio guide is very fair.
Plenty of icons.
Xavier
Google
A museum about religions from all around the world, that was really interesting and many things to see !
maja mamula
Google
Great exhibitions, interesting pieces of history. There is just one minus, there are very few explanations of the pieces, and even less in english.
Tim
Google
A very interesting museum, but you might want an interpreter with you if you do not understand Russian. Only a very brief English description is available on most items.
There are a great many religious artifacts used by various groups throughout history.
It is laid out in a chronological pattern, which would add to the understanding, if you did not want to read the detail descriptions in Russian.
At the time I wrote the initial review, I was not aware of the audio guide. I apologize for the incomplete information.
Artem Kotenko
Google
Relatively unknown but very interesting little museum with an amazing collection of artifacts from most of the religious traditions - from shamanism to Judaism, Islam, all the Christian confessions (with a notable collection of Western European paintings and Russian icons and folk pictures - "lubok"), Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism.
The real treasure is so-called Buddhist paradise or “Pure Land of Bliss” by Buddha Amitabha presented with original wooden sculptures installed in a darker room with a special light and sound effects - absolutely must see!
Also, there is a notable scientific library with a lot of rare books, a Christian treasury with silver and precious stones reliquaries and the collection of Masonic artifacts on display with a special pre-booked excursion at the Museums' open founds.
Amy Kulishova
Google
Interesting, loads of relics and great explanations of all the displays. I recommend not going when there are school groups though as you'll get distracted.