Located at Universitetskaya Embankment 17, the Russian Academy of Fine Arts Museum (Russian: Научно-исследовательский музей Российской Академии художеств) hosts one of the most unique art collections not only in Russia, but throughout the whole world. The academy has a long history as it was founded in the mid 18th century and has been fully functional ever since. The academy hosts some of the greatest drawings, engravings and paintings from artists from Russia and Western Europe. 

The academy was built between the years of 1764 to 1772 and it represents an amazing monument to early Russian Classicism. The academy has three floors with awesome exhibitions of some of the greatest works of art from Russia and Europe. If you are an art lover, a visit to the Russian Academy of Fine Arts Museum is a must to see. The first floor has great pieces of antique sculptures, monuments from the 18th century and other great works from the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The second floor of the academy hosts an exhibition to the history of the Russian artistic school. This floor has works that relate to the study and training program of students in the academy throughout the years and also some works that were created by past students. Losenko, Bryullov, Brodsky, Chistyakov, Shubin, Kozlovsky, Shchedrin and Antokolsky - all have works of art on the second floor of the academy.

The third floor has the exhibition called, "St. Petersburg Architecture of the 18th-19th centuries in Patterns, Paintings and Drawings". This floor holds the architectural information and artifacts from Smolny Cathedral, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Mikhailovsky Palace and the Stock Exchange are on display.

The Russian Academy of Fine Arts Museum is a definite stop to any art lover who lives or visits St. Petersburg. Those who come are sure to leave happy. Come and see great art pieces and history of St. Petersburg and Europe.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 to 19:00 Wednesday- Sunday. Ticket offices open from 12:00 to 18.30

For excursions, call 323-35-78.

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