Stages of museum development of Saint Petersburg in the Imperial Russia

Abstract

This article examines museum construction in one of the major Russian regions – Saint Petersburg of the XVIII – early XX centuries. The author determines four stages: early museums, specialized museums, new field-specific groups, museum expansion; as well as their key traits and peculiarities. Special attention is turned to the latter stage – museum expansion (1894-1916). The author presents the matrix of all established museums in chronological order, their founders, year of creation, and relations with the field-specific groups. The scientific novelty consists in the attempt to fill the gap by carrying out a first comprehensive research dedicated to museum development in Saint Petersburg of the imperial period. In order to reflect the processes unfolding in the history of museums of Saint Petersburg, the author reveals the trends and patterns, indicates the significance of museums created by the contemporaries, and demonstrates the link between the emergence of museums and the economic upswing in the country. Colossal experience of museum construction of Saint Petersburg, understanding of its importance in preservation of cultural and historical heritage, as well as progressive ideas of museum figures served as the prerequisite for creating the state supervision system and museum legislation, and allow outlining the ways for future development of museums.