This is the best place in St. Petersburg to see some Russian art (12th to mid-20th centuries). Its collection can be rivaled only by that of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. The central building of the museum is the yellow white-columned Mikhailovsky Palace built in 1819-25 for Grand Duke Mikhail, brother of Alexander I and Nicholas I. In the late 19th century the palace was bought by the government and in 1898 turned into the "Russian Museum of Emperor Alexander III". In the early 20th century a new wing was built for the growing collections and called the Benois Building (Corpus Benua).

The floor plan of the museum is a bit confusing, but the collection, from the 12th century icons to the 20th century's Chagall and Malevitch, is extensive (over 320 thousand works). A guided tour is perhaps the best way to see all the highlights and get the most out of admiring unfamiliar artwork. Enjoy it!

(Location: INZHENERNAIA ULITSA, 4/2. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Closed on Tuesdays)

In the middle of Arts Square one can admire the statue of Alexander Pushkin (1799-1836), the most famous Russian poet, the author of the novel-in-verse "Evgeny Onegin" and some of the best poetry about St. Petersburg.

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