Russian Museum Guided Tour and Sightseeing Tour around the Square of Fine Art

The State Russian Museum (formerly the Russian Museum of His Imperial Majesty Alexander III) is one of the largest depository of Russian fine art in the world.Its collections contains painting,sculptures,work of applied art and covers a period from 10th century to the present day.After the Russian Revolution of 1917, many private collections were nationalized and relocated to the Russian Museum. These included Kazimir Malevich's Black Square as well as many others pieces of Russian Avangard.

The museum was established on April 13, 1895, upon enthronement of Nicholas II to commemorate his father, Alexander III. Its original collection was composed of artworks taken from the Hermitage Museum, Alexander Palace and the Imperial Academy of Arts. The ensemble of the square was formed since the 19th century and included to the UNESCO world heritage list.

The ensemble of the square was formed since the 19th century. The project of its development belongs to the architect Carl Rossi. Previously the area was called Mikhailovsky. This name it had obtained in 1834 in honour of the Mikhailovsky Palace, which belonged to the son of Paul I, Grand Duke Mikhail. Mikhailovsky Palace is a key object in the ensemble. Its construction was carried out from 1819 until 1825. Upon the death of the Grand Duke the residence was named after his wife as the Palace of the Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, and became famous for its many theatrical presentations and balls.Some of the halls of the palace retain the Italianate opulent interiors of the former imperial residence. 

The octagonal portico and triangular pediment, which was the decoration of the building, clearly confirm the fact that the architect C. Rossi is a fan of classicism. The entrance to the Palace is guarded by huge bronze lions. From the Arts square, the Palace is walled off by a massive iron fence.