The State Russian Museum is the world’s largest collection of Russian art. It was established by a special decree of Emperor Nicholas II and opened its doors in 1898.
The first works of art were handed over from the Academy of Arts, the Hermitage, the Winter, Gatchina and Alexander Palaces, as well as from private collections. Over time, the collection has gradually expanded and is now accommodated in 6 buildings in Saint Petersburg.
The museum houses old Russian icons, including the ones by Andrei Rublev and Simon Ushakov, as well as paintings by Russian artists of the 18th — 20th centuries, modern installations, assemblages, photographs and works of video art.
In the 1990s, Peter and Irene Ludwig donated their collection of contemporary Western art to the Russian Museum.
The first works of art were handed over from the Academy of Arts, the Hermitage, the Winter, Gatchina and Alexander Palaces, as well as from private collections. Over time, the collection has gradually expanded and is now accommodated in 6 buildings in Saint Petersburg.
The museum houses old Russian icons, including the ones by Andrei Rublev and Simon Ushakov, as well as paintings by Russian artists of the 18th — 20th centuries, modern installations, assemblages, photographs and works of video art.
In the 1990s, Peter and Irene Ludwig donated their collection of contemporary Western art to the Russian Museum.