Museum of the History of Religion

Formerly housed in Kazan Cathedral, this anthropological museum came about as a by-product of the religious repression of the Soviet Union, and it acted as a repository for numerous religious artefacts and works of art displaced by the government closure of churches and other religious institutions.

Now housed in slightly less grand premises one block away from St. Isaac's Cathedral, the museum charts the history of religious beliefs and practices throughout the world, from early paganism through to the major religions of the modern world, each of which gets its own section. The exhibits include art works, texts, and ritual items and, while few of them are particularly rare or valuable, the overall collection is informative and entertaining. The Museum of the History of Religion has recently been fully renovated, and continues to add new sections to its permanent exhibitions. There are also regular temporary exhibits at the museum examining particular aspects of religious belief. Unfortunately, there is little information in English at the museum, so visiting with a guide is advisable.

Statue of Buddha in the Eastern Religions section of the Museum of the History of Religion
Buddhism Hall at the History of Religion Museum
Indian religions section at the Museum of the History of Religion
Part of the Christianity section at the Museum of the History of Religion
Aron-Kodesh (detail) in the Judaism section of the History of Religion Museum
Part of the Buddhism exhibition at the History of Religion Museum

Location:	14, Pochtamtskaya Ulitsa
Metro:	Admiralteyskaya
Telephone:	+7 (812) 571-0495
Open:	Daily from 10 am to 6 pm (ticket office until 5pm), Thursday from 1 pm to 9 pm
Closed:	Wednesdays
Website:	http://www.gmir.ru/eng/
Admission:	Adult: RUB 400.00. Students: RUB 200.00. Students ISIC: RUB 100.00. Audio-guide: RUB 180.00. Free admission to all visitors on the first Monday of each month.
Photo and video:	Free
Accessibility note:	This museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide doors. Staff assistance may be required.