The Ethnographic Museum is located next to the main building of the Russian Museum. Founded in 1903, it was opened to the general public 20 years later under the Bolshevik regime. Nowadays, the museum possesses one of the largest collections of ethnographic artifacts in Europe.
The building of the museum was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century by architect Vasily Svinyin exclusively for the growing collection of ethnographic items. Originally, the museum was an extension of the Russian Museum. However, in 1934, it became a separate institution.
From a collection of items that pertain to Russian ethnography to a display of artifacts typical to the peoples of Asia, the museum offers a wide variety of things to see. Displayed materials include photos, traditional costumes, household items, weapons, hunting and fishing devices, and much more.
