32. Russian State Ethnographic Museum
The Russian State Ethnographic Museum is located right next door to the better-known State Russian Museum (of art) in central St. Petersburg. Unlike the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, which includes ethnographic exhibits from around the world, the State Ethnographic Museum features exclusively Russian (and former Soviet Republic) cultural, ethnic, and religious groups.
The first floor focuses on culture as defined by environment - people of the forest, ocean, and Arctic. The second floor was most interesting to me, and included a greater amount of English-language signage. Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Ukraine, various -Stans, and several Jewish groups each had their own exhibits and dioramas, and of course various Russian cultures were well represented - dozens of distinct cultures in total, perhaps over 100.
This institution could almost be renamed the State Museum of Folk Costumes. Although numerous objects of material culture were included in every exhibit, the highlight, as well as overwhelmingly dominant visual presence, was the hundreds of examples of local peasant dress from the 18th and 19th centuries. Everyday, utilitarian outfits were shown, but much more fascinating were the wedding outfits, festival clothing, and outdoor gear. The hats alone were worth the price of admission.
I don't believe this museum typically attracts tourists in town for a shorter visit to St. Petersburg, but I found it a great way to better understand the impressive cultural diversity in Russia.
The first floor focuses on culture as defined by environment - people of the forest, ocean, and Arctic. The second floor was most interesting to me, and included a greater amount of English-language signage. Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Ukraine, various -Stans, and several Jewish groups each had their own exhibits and dioramas, and of course various Russian cultures were well represented - dozens of distinct cultures in total, perhaps over 100.
This institution could almost be renamed the State Museum of Folk Costumes. Although numerous objects of material culture were included in every exhibit, the highlight, as well as overwhelmingly dominant visual presence, was the hundreds of examples of local peasant dress from the 18th and 19th centuries. Everyday, utilitarian outfits were shown, but much more fascinating were the wedding outfits, festival clothing, and outdoor gear. The hats alone were worth the price of admission.
I don't believe this museum typically attracts tourists in town for a shorter visit to St. Petersburg, but I found it a great way to better understand the impressive cultural diversity in Russia.
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