Muzey Prikladnogo Iskusstva

The Muzey Prikladnogo Iskusstva (Museum of Applied Arts) is a gem in St. Petersburg's Liteyny district, housed in a striking 19th-century building that was once the Central School of Technical Drawing. The museum's collection spans centuries of decorative and applied arts, including furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, and metalwork from Russia and Western Europe. Visitors can explore richly decorated halls that evoke the opulence of imperial Russia, with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and period interiors. The museum is less crowded than the city's major attractions, offering a more intimate experience. Highlights include the recreated workshops and the stunning display of Russian porcelain. It's a must for design enthusiasts and anyone interested in the craftsmanship of everyday objects.

Don't miss

• The grand staircase with intricate wrought-iron railings
• Extensive collection of Russian porcelain from the Imperial Porcelain Factory
• Recreated 19th-century workshops showing traditional crafts
• Stained glass windows and ornate ceiling decorations in the main halls
• Temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary applied art

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Muzey Prikladnogo Iskusstva

Cheapest way inImagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art General Admission4.2★ · 24 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedMedieval Torture Museum with Ghost Hunting and Tiny Art Gallery4.9★ · 2,240 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Golf Cart Tour - The History of St. Petersburg5★ · 13 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow extra time for the temporary exhibitions, which are often excellent.
• Photography is usually allowed without flash, but check signage in each room.
• Audio guides are available in Russian and English; consider renting one for deeper context.
• The museum shop sells unique reproductions and crafts inspired by the collection.

A bit of history

Founded in 1878 as part of the Central School of Technical Drawing, the museum was established to educate craftsmen and preserve examples of applied art. The building itself, designed by architects Maximilian Messmacher and others, is a masterpiece of eclectic style.