Grand Maket Russia
The Grand Model of Russia is a miniature exposition of the vastness of the Russian Federation. It is the second largest model in the world, and the permanent exhibition covers an area of 800 square metres. It opened to the public in 2012 and, although a little outside the city centre, has become one of St. Petersburg's most popular attractions, particularly among younger visitors.
The model is very much a labour of love that took more than 100 people 5 years to complete. But the rewards for such a labour intensive project are immediately apparent once you enter the space.
Urban and rural scenes from across Russia are presented in wonderful detail in a scale of 1:87. Day fades into night in 13-minute cycles which are controlled by more than 500,000 LED lights, illuminating and giving life to the model. From scenes in St. Petersburg to Moscow and across to Siberia and the Far East, the country's road, rail and waterways are beautifully crafted. The model is a delight for adults and children alike. Cars and buses stop at changing lights, the impatient overtake and the wirelessly-powered remote control system gives a truly realistic feel. The visitor can also see various models of a naval base, a spaceport, plants and factories, even a shepherd with a flock of sheep and ships at sea. Many of these painstakingly created scenes are interactive, with buttons allowing visitors to set numerous intricate and entertaining processes in motion.
For model railway enthusiasts the model is also a treat! Over 2.5 km of rail, 452 switch boxes, 250 locomotives (10 special cleaning trains) and a one-metre height difference achieved using more than 50 metres of spiral lifts. And, of course, the Trans-Siberian railway in all its glory.
| Location: | 16, Tsvetochnaya Ulitsa |
|---|---|
| Metro: | Moskovskie Vorota |
| Telephone: | +7 (812) 495-5465 |
| Open: | Daily from 10 am to 8 pm (Ticket office to 7.15 pm) |
| Website: | https://grandmaket.ru/en/ |
| Admission: | Week days: Adults (from 14 years old) RUB 400. Children from 3 to 14 years old RUB 200. Weekends and holidays: Adults (from 14 years old) RUB 450. Children from 3 to 14 years old RUB 250. Family tariff (for 3 persons and more) 10% discount. |
| Photo and video: | Free |
| Accessibility note: | Wheelchair accessible. |
