Contemplate the genius of Carl Fabergé. He was more than a jeweler. He was an artist. The Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg celebrates his remarkable legacy.
This museum opened its doors on November 19 2013. It became Russia’s first private museum of national significance. The Link of Times Cultural and Historical Foundation founded it. Their aim was to bring Russian cultural treasures back home.
The idea for a Fabergé museum began in 2004. A unique Fabergé collection from the Forbes family was purchased. Since then, the Foundation has acquired over 4,000 items. These include Russian applied and fine art. The Fabergé Museum’s collection is truly exceptional. It is the best in the world. Its scale, variety, and quality are unmatched.
Viktor Vekselberg established the museum. It was his vision to repatriate lost cultural valuables to Russia. The museum resides in the Naryshkin-Shuvalov Palace. You’ll find it on the Fontanka River Embankment.
The Fabergé Museum boasts over 4,000 works. These include decorative applied and fine arts. Gold, silver, paintings, porcelain, and bronze are all showcased. The highlight is the group of nine Imperial Easter eggs. Carl Fabergé created these for the last two Russian Tsars.
The Link of Times Foundation began restoring the Naryshkin-Shuvalov Palace in 2006. The goal was to open the Fabergé Museum there. It took seven years to restore the palace’s historical appearance. This was the first full restoration in its 200-year history.
The Fabergé Museum’s collection includes fifteen Fabergé eggs. They reside in the Blue Room of Naryshkin-Shuvalov Palace. There is also a miniature heart-shaped picture frame. It’s the surprise from the lost Mauve egg of 1897.
The Imperial Easter eggs connect to the lives of Alexander III and Nicolas II. These eggs were bought from the Forbes family for $100 million.
Among the treasures are the First Hen egg, Renaissance egg, and Rosebud egg. Others include the Coronation egg and Lilies of the Valley egg. Do not forget the Cockerel egg, the Fifteenth Anniversary egg, and the Bay Tree egg. The Order of St. George egg is also a highlight.
Other Fabergé eggs include the Kelch Hen egg and Kelch Chanticleer egg. The Duchess of Marlborough egg and Resurrection egg are also present. Finally, you can admire the Scandinavian egg and Spring Flowers egg.
The Fabergé company’s jewelry eggs became incredibly popular. Rich people of the time loved the idea. A Fabergé egg is perhaps the most famous jewelry item in the world.
The interiors of the Shuvalov Palace are another reason to visit. The palace belonged to a wealthy noble family in the 19th century.
The Fabergé Museum is a testament to Carl Fabergé’s genius. It also showcases Russia’s rich cultural heritage. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Saint Petersburg.