Музей отечественной киноаппаратуры

Across the Neva River, the Kunstkamera beckons. It’s a name that twists the tongue, a German word meaning “cabinet of curiosities”. Peter the Great, founder of St. Petersburg, established this unique museum. He envisioned a place to house his growing collection of oddities. The Kunstkamera officially opened its doors in 1728, becoming Russia’s first museum. Peter’s fascination with the unusual began on his travels through Europe. He developed a keen interest in anatomy and began collecting anything that piqued his curiosity. Books, tools, anatomical specimens – anything that struck him as extraordinary found a place in his collection. The Kunstkamera’s collection grew rapidly. It incorporated items from domestic expeditions, foreign purchases, and donations from travelers worldwide. The original collection was housed in the Summer Palace. It then moved to Kikin’s Home near Smolny Courtyard in 1719, marking the Kunstkamera’s transition from a private collection to a public museum. By Peter’s decree, the Kunstkamera became accessible to everyone. In 1718, construction began on a dedicated building for the Kunstkamera. Located on Vasilyevsky Island Spit, the striking building we see today is a prime example of Petrine Baroque architecture. Two distinct sections, connected by a multi-tiered tower, house the library and the main collections. The tower itself served as both an observatory and an anatomical theater. Tragically, a fire ravaged the Kunstkamera in 1747, damaging parts of the collection. Inside the Kunstkamera, one of the most talked about displays is Peter’s collection of anatomical anomalies. By his order, all discovered cases of anatomical deformities from across Russia were brought here. A decree which fueled both scientific study and public fascination. Another remarkable piece is the Gottorf Globe-Planetarium, a gift to Peter I during the Northern War. This 3.1-meter globe, showcasing the world as known in the 17th century, also contains a planetarium, a marvel of its time. The upper floors of the Kunstkamera are dedicated to Mikhail Lomonosov. The museum preserves his personal belongings, scientific instruments, maps, astronomical devices, and mosaics, reflecting his significant contributions to science during his 25 years working within these very walls. The Kunstkamera’s vast collection laid the foundation for seven other museums in St. Petersburg. These include the Botanical, Zoological, Asian, Egyptian, Mineralogical, and Ethnographic museums. The Zoological Museum, renowned as one of the largest in the world, houses over 30,000 items with millions more in storage. The Ethnographic Museum boasts over one million artifacts, representing the diverse cultures of the world. Today, the Kunstkamera stands as the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography. It houses close to two million items. It offers a window into a world of curiosities and scientific discovery. A testament to Peter the Great’s vision and his insatiable thirst for knowledge.