Мемориальная библиотека князя Г. В. Голицына

“Lost treasures,” Prince George Galitzine would often muse, “are not always buried in the earth.” He believed they could be found in forgotten books, hidden histories, and untold stories. It is in this spirit that the Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library stands here at 46 Fontanka Embankment in the Carlow House. This library is a unique treasure in the heart of St. Petersburg. It is dedicated to 20th-century Rossica—books about Russia published abroad, many unavailable within the country during the Soviet era. The Memorial Library was founded in 1994 by Prince George’s widow, Jean, and their daughter, Katya. They wanted to honor a man who dedicated his life to bridging the cultural gap between Russia and the West. Prince George, a descendant of both the Galitzine and Mecklenburg-Strelitz families, was a scholar, author, and passionate advocate for Russian culture. His book “Imperial Splendour,” published in 1991, is a testament to his deep understanding of Russian architecture. The Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library holds more than just books. It houses a piece of Prince George’s legacy. Among the collection are volumes donated by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Margaret Thatcher. Authors like Isaiah Berlin and Orlando Figes also contributed. Each book bears the library’s ex-libris, designed by Prince George’s son, a symbol of the family’s enduring connection to this place. The library isn’t simply a repository of knowledge. It is a living, breathing testament to the power of cultural exchange. It’s a place where scholars, researchers, and anyone curious about Russia can delve into a vast collection of unique material. The Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library also hosts lectures, meetings, and presentations. Visitors can also explore a permanent exhibition of family photos, tracing generations back to Catherine the Great. The library, nestled in the former home of Prince George’s mother, offers a glimpse into a rich family history intertwined with the history of Russia itself. Within the walls of Carlow House, the Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library continues Prince George’s work. It brings to light the lost treasures of Russian history and culture, one book at a time. It reminds us that the greatest discoveries are often not material, but intellectual and cultural, and can inspire us all.