{"id":667624,"date":"2022-03-04T14:29:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=667624"},"modified":"2022-01-31T18:51:51","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T15:51:51","slug":"kunstkamera-in-st-petersburg-history-photos-descriptions-prices-2021-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/kunstkamera-in-st-petersburg-history-photos-descriptions-prices-2021-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Kunstkamera in St. Petersburg – history, photos, descriptions, prices 2021, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kunstkamera in St. Petersburg<\/a> initially represented a collection of curiosities, primarily in the field of human physiology and anatomy. Gradually, the collection was supplemented with new artifacts related to the cultural and everyday life of different ethnic communities. Thus, the cabinet exposition was transformed into an academic scientific institution – the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences.<\/p>\n

Story<\/h2>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

Peter I was interested in innovations in the field of technology and natural science knowledge. Participation in the foreign “Great Embassy” gave him the opportunity to get acquainted with many achievements of European scientists and inventors. During the trip, the tsar repeatedly examined collections of rare artifacts called “kunsht”. He bought the copies he liked and sent them to Russia<\/a>. These things became the basis for the creation of the “Tsar's Cabinet”.<\/p>\n

Acquisitions were kept in the Summer Palace. The premises occupied by them began to be called the Kunstkamera, which in German means “a cabinet of curiosities”. Official documents record the date of foundation of the royal panopticon – 1714. A separate building was required to house the exhibits. The place for the construction was chosen on the cape of Vasilyevsky Island<\/a>. During construction, the rarities were transfer<\/a>red to the Kikins' house<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Construction work continued in 1718-1734. They were led in turn by architects:<\/p>\n

The body is made in the baroque style. It combines 2 three-story buildings with a domed tower. The general public was allowed to view the exposition in 1719. Since its inception, the Kunstkamera has performed an educational function, introducing visit<\/a>ors to various materials in the field of natural sciences. After the creation of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1724, she became part of it. To replenish the exposition, special ethnographic expeditions were organized, which collected rarities in remote regions of Russia and abroad.<\/p>\n

After the demarcation of the existing collections, 7 museum<\/a> institutions were formed:<\/p>\n

At the end of the 70s. 19th century the ethnological collection was transformed into the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography. Since 1903 it has been named after Peter the Great (the Great). In the 90s of the 20th century. The Kunstkamera was included in the list<\/a> of cultural heritage sites of the Russian Federation. It rightfully bears the title of the oldest public museum in the country.<\/p>\n

exposition<\/h2>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

The total composition of the museum's funds includes over 1.880 million exhibits<\/a>. The things presented to the public have historical, cultural and scientific value.<\/p>\n

Thematic selection of subjects was carried out in 2 main areas:<\/p>\n

A separate category is represented by scientific instruments and models. Among them is the famous giant globe.<\/p>\n

Big Gottop Globe<\/h2>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

A unique 2-sphere globe was made in the middle of the 17th century. on the initiative of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein Frederick III. Its main feature is in modeling the surface of the globe (outside) and the starry sky (inside). An unusual project was proposed and developed by Adam Olearius. The design of the planetarium globe was a huge ball (3.1 m in diameter) with empty space in the inner part. The surface consisted of metal plates fastened together and covered with canvas. Above was a geographical map<\/a> depicting the continents and oceans.<\/p>\n

The inner plane resembled the sky, in which the constellations were distinguished. A special mechanism created the illusion of the movement of celestial bodies. Spectators entered the planetary chamber through a hatch. The room was designed for the simultaneous stay of 12 people. For the convenience of visitors, a bench and a table were equipped inside the ball. The total mass of the globe was 3.5 tons.<\/p>\n

It was considered the largest in the world. In honor of the Gottorp castle, where the inventor lived, the model received the nickname – Gottorp. The globe was presented as a gift<\/a> to the Russian Tsar Peter in 1713. In 1716 it arrived in the Russian capital and was placed in the tower of the Kunstkamera.<\/p>\n

During a major fire in 1747, the giant ball burned down completely. Only the hatch door survived from the original model. Reproduction of a similar sample in 1748-1752. were engaged in:<\/p>\n

A new globe-planetarium was installed in a separate building, and at the beginning of the 20th century. transferred to the Admiralty. In the early 40s, the model came to Germany and was returned to the Soviet Union in 1948. Currently, the Big Academic (Gottorp) globe is on public display on the 4th-5th floors of the museum building of the Kunstkamera. To see it, you need to purchase a separate ticket.<\/p>\n

Sections<\/h2>\n

The structure of the modern museum consists of 8 sections, 6 of which are devoted to the culture and life of the population of different parts of the world. The collection is based on authentic items brought from distant expeditions by Russian travelers I.F. Kruzenshtern, Yu.F. Lisyansky, F.F. Bellingshausen, M.P. Lazarev, N.N. Miklouho-Maclay. The things collected in the Kunstkamera clearly demonstrate the peculiarities of the way of life of ethnic groups, their religious beliefs, and traditional culture.<\/p>\n

Indigenous people of North America<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

The North American continent is represented by the original inhabitants – Indian tribes and peoples of the North (Aleuts, Eskimos). The funds of the section contain exhibits from the expeditions of I. Voznesensky. Among the most valuable rarities:<\/p>\n

Japan<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

Since ancient times, the Japanese islands have been inhabited by two ethnic communities, distinguished by their civilizational way of life:<\/p>\n

The Kunstkamera has an extensive collection of traditional fishing accessories (hooks, nets, traps) used by the locals. The rich culture of the Land of the Rising Sun is represented by ancient products made with great skill. Miniature carvings – netsuke, in the past played the role of key chains.<\/p>\n

With their help, the necessary items were fixed on the belt, since the presence of pockets in the kimono is not provided. Part of the Japanese section is devoted to the military class – samurai. The equipment and weapons of medieval warriors amaze with their skillful decoration and beauty.<\/p>\n

Africa<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

The first exhibits for the African section were collected during the travels of V.V. Junker in 1875-1878. Among the rare artifacts:<\/p>\n

The African collection (more than 11 thousand items) reflects different aspects of the life of the peoples of the Black Continent.<\/p>\n

Near and Middle East<\/h3>\n

Islamic culture is widely represented in the halls dedicated to the countries of the Middle East region. The leading role in the exhibition is played by the holy book of Muslims – the Koran. The museum houses her handwritten and printed samples. In addition, visitors can see writing materials, fabrics, weapons, and utensils.<\/p>\n

China<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

The ancient culture of the Celestial Empire is reflected in the Chinese section. It contains items made of lacquer, porcelain, enamel, wood, bone, stone. Samples of ethnic clothes are placed in the halls. The civilizational significance of the region is emphasized by inventions made by the ancient Chinese – a compass, a seismograph, a solar-powered boiler and others.<\/p>\n

Mongolia<\/h3>\n

The central place in the Mongolian hall is occupied by the traditional dwelling of nomads – the yurt. Its interior space has a clear organization, divided into male and female parts. The everyday attributes of nomadic life include horse harness, saddles, blankets, richly decorated with ornaments. Genuine interest of visitors is caused by a shaman flute made from a human bone.<\/p>\n

India. Indonesia<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

Colorful exhibits tell about the life of the peoples of South Asia. The museum funds contain wooden figurines, ritual masks, national costumes. A separate category is made up of objects of theatrical art – puppets and flat puppets of shadow theater. Weapon connoisseurs will be interested in the original kris daggers from Indonesia. The most unusual exhibit of the section is a huge statue of a guardian demon (rakshas).<\/p>\n

Indochina<\/h3>\n

You can get acquainted with the traditional culture and art of the countries of Southeast Asia in a special section. The stands exhibit samples of Buddhist sculpture, theatrical masks, musical instruments, as well as household items (dishes, utensils), national clothes, and weapons.<\/p>\n

Korea<\/h3>\n

A separate section is devoted to the inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. It contains ancient artifacts and objects representing the original culture of the Koreans. Particularly noteworthy is the selection of porcelain and ceramic products made using the technique of transparent glaze (celadon).<\/p>\n

The first natural science collections of the Kunstkamera<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

Peter the Great conceived the Kunstkamera as a collection of rare materials related to the natural branches of scientific knowledge. During his European voyage, he acquired two major collections:<\/p>\n

In addition, a royal decree was issued ordering the delivery of rare artifacts found in Russia to the capital. The biological collection has been preserved and is being shown to visitors. Alcoholic preparations, showing anomalies in the development<\/a> of the human body, make a special impression.<\/p>\n

Academy of Sciences of the XVIII century and M.V. Lomonosov<\/h3>\n

The Russian Academy of Sciences originally neighbored the Kunstkamera. The Academy gained fame and fame thanks to the activities<\/a> of the outstanding scientist and encyclopedist Mikhail Lomonosov. His personal belongings, books, instruments became part of the museum collection. The exposition dedicated to the activities of the Academy of Sciences in the 18th-19th centuries recreates the scientist's office. It presents works made from pieces of smalt, the release of which was organized by Lomonosov.<\/p>\n

The academic section also contains information about the activities of other prominent Russian scientists:<\/p>\n

First Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences<\/h3>\n

\"Kunstkamera<\/a><\/p>\n

In 1725, at the invitation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the famous French astronomer J. Delisle arrived in St. Petersburg<\/a>. At his request, the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of the Kunstkamera tower are being converted into an observatory. It began to function fully in 1735. In 1747, a strong fire broke out in the tower and all the equipment burned down.<\/p>\n

The museum collection dedicated to the St. Petersburg Observatory includes ancient scientific instruments and instruments:<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/a> and ticket prices<\/h2>\n

The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Day off on Mondays. Sanitary day on the last Tuesday of every month. The exposition is closed on holidays<\/a> (31.12, 1.01, 1.05). Working hours 11-19.<\/p>\n

Ticket price:<\/p>\n

Every month (April-September) on the 3rd Thursday, the museum exhibition can be viewed free of charge. Discounted tickets<\/a> are issued at the box office.<\/p>\n

Where is it located and how to get there<\/a><\/h2>\n

The building of the Kunstkamera is located in St. Petersburg at the address<\/a> – Universitetskaya embankment, 3. The entrance for visitors is open from the side of Customs Lane<\/p>\n

The museum can be reached by ground and underground transport:<\/p>\n

Kunstkamera in St. Petersburg on the map<\/h2>\n