Museum · Liteyny

State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defense and Blockade

4.5 · 254 reviews
Check tickets & tours Official site

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defense and Blockade is a poignant tribute to the nearly 900-day siege that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Located in St. Petersburg's Liteyny district, the museum houses a vast collection of wartime artifacts, including diaries, weapons, and everyday items that tell the story of survival against all odds. Visitors walk through exhibits that recreate the atmosphere of the blockade, with dim lighting and haunting soundscapes. The museum also features a memorial hall with names of the fallen. It's a deeply moving experience that offers insight into one of history's most harrowing sieges, making it a must-visit for those interested in WWII history.

Don't miss

  • The 'Road of Life' exhibit, showing the supply route across Lake Ladoga
  • Personal diaries and letters from siege survivors
  • A reconstructed wartime apartment with period furnishings
  • The memorial hall with a wall of names honoring the dead
  • Military equipment and vehicles used during the siege

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit State Memorial Museum of Leningrad Defense and Blockade

You can visit on your own (paid entry, check official site for current prices and possible discounts for students or seniors. book online to skip lines during peak season). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.

Good for

BusinessCouplesSolo travelFamilyFriends getaway

How travelers rate it

5 star
145
4 star
63
3 star
28
2 star
10
1 star
8

Know before you go

  • Plan for at least 1.5 hours to see the main exhibits.
  • Photography may be restricted in some areas; check signs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.
  • Audio guides are available in multiple languages.

A bit of history

The siege of Leningrad lasted from September 1941 to January 1944, when German forces encircled the city. The museum was established to preserve the memory of the blockade and its victims, opening in the 1940s and later renovated.

Common questions

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, but the content is intense; parental discretion advised for younger kids.

Are there guided tours?

Yes, guided tours are available in Russian and English; check the website for schedules.

Can I take photos inside?

Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be prohibited.

How do I get there from the city center?

Take the metro to Chernyshevskaya, then walk east on Solyanoi Lane.

Is there a coat check?

Yes, there is a cloakroom for coats and bags.

What are the opening hours?

Hours vary; check the official site before visiting.

More attractions in St. Petersburg

Planning your trip to St. Petersburg? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a St. Petersburg itinerary.