Saint Petersburg, with its rich cultural and intellectual history, is home to some of the most important and iconic libraries in Russia. These libraries, established during the reign of the Russian Empire, reflect the imperial passion for learning, art, and literature. Many of them were founded by the tsars and nobility and have grown into vast repositories of knowledge, housing invaluable collections of manuscripts, rare books, and archival materials. A tour of these libraries offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of Russian intellectualism, the grandeur of imperial Russia, and the beauty of historic buildings. Here’s a guide to Saint Petersburg’s iconic imperial libraries, each a gem for bibliophiles, historians, and culture lovers.
1. The Russian National Library
The Russian National Library, one of the largest and most significant libraries in Russia, was originally founded as the Imperial Public Library by Catherine the Great in 1795. The library’s vast collection includes millions of books, manuscripts, and rare items, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Russia’s intellectual history.
Historical Significance:
- Catherine the Great’s Vision: Catherine the Great, who was an avid patron of the arts and education, founded the library to provide access to knowledge for scholars, the Russian aristocracy, and the general public. It was part of her broader efforts to make Saint Petersburg a cultural capital of Europe.
- Imperial Legacy: The Russian National Library has retained its imperial roots, growing in size and influence over the centuries. It is now one of the largest libraries in the world and serves as the main library for the Russian Federation.
- Cultural Hub: Beyond its vast collection, the library hosts exhibitions, events, and educational programs, continuing to be a hub for cultural and academic exchange.
Architectural Highlights:
- The Library Building: The library is housed in a neoclassical building on the Neva River, designed by architect Vasily Stasov. Its elegant façade and grand entrance reflect the building’s prestigious origins.
- The Reading Rooms: Inside, the reading rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, featuring high ceilings, grand windows, and marble floors. These rooms provide an atmosphere of quiet dignity, ideal for study and reflection.
Must-See Features:
- Rare Manuscripts and Books: The library’s collection includes rare books from the imperial era, manuscripts from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a vast number of Russian and international publications.
- Exhibitions: The Russian National Library regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase special collections, including works of art, historical documents, and literary manuscripts.
2. The Imperial Public Library (Now Part of the Russian National Library)
The Imperial Public Library, founded in 1795 by Catherine the Great, was the precursor to the modern Russian National Library. It was established as part of the imperial library system, and over time, it accumulated a rich collection of books, manuscripts, and works of art.
Historical Significance:
- Catherine the Great’s Patronage: Catherine’s desire to create an intellectual and cultural center in Saint Petersburg led to the creation of the Imperial Public Library. It was meant to provide access to the best European and Russian literature, as well as promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
- Expansion and Accessibility: Under the supervision of prominent librarians and scholars, the library expanded its collections and opened its doors to the public, making it an essential institution for Russian and international scholars alike.
Architectural Highlights:
- Classical Design: The original building was designed by architect Giacomo Quarenghi in a neoclassical style. The spacious hall, with its grand columns and vaulted ceilings, evokes the sense of grandeur and intellectual ambition that Catherine the Great had envisioned for the library.
- The Grand Hall: The central hall, with its majestic proportions and elegant décor, remains a key feature of the library’s interior.
Must-See Features:
- Original Manuscripts and Rare Books: The Imperial Public Library’s original collections include some of the most important works of Russian and European literature, including early editions of works by Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and other Russian greats.
- Historical Documents: The library houses important historical documents that shed light on Russia’s imperial past, its intellectual development, and its connections to Europe.
3. The State Hermitage Museum Library
While the Hermitage Museum is best known for its incredible art collection, the State Hermitage Museum Library is also a treasure trove of knowledge. Founded by Catherine the Great in the 18th century, it is part of the Hermitage complex and has grown into one of the most prestigious libraries in Russia.
Historical Significance:
- Catherine the Great’s Collection: As part of her efforts to expand Russia’s intellectual and artistic horizons, Catherine the Great established the Hermitage Library to complement her growing collection of art and books. The library quickly became a hub for scholars and artists.
- Royal Patronage: The library was designed to serve the needs of the Russian elite, and it was stocked with rare books, manuscripts, and works of art. It continues to be an important resource for scholars and researchers.
Architectural Highlights:
- The Winter Palace: The library is housed within the Winter Palace, and visitors can enjoy the historic architecture of the palace as they explore the library’s vast collections.
- Classical Design: The library’s interior is characterized by its classical architecture, with elegant reading rooms and a grand staircase that leads to the main library hall.
Must-See Features:
- Art and Architecture Books: Given the close relationship between the Hermitage Museum and the library, many of the books in the collection are focused on art, architecture, and Russian history.
- Rare Manuscripts and First Editions: The library contains a selection of rare manuscripts and first editions that were collected by Russian tsars and aristocrats.
4. The Russian State Library of Economics
Founded in the early 19th century, the Russian State Library of Economics (formerly known as the State Public Library) is a major academic library in Saint Petersburg that specializes in economics and social sciences.
Historical Significance:
- Imperial Foundations: Established by the Russian Imperial government, the library has long been a center for economic and political thought, serving as a resource for Russia’s elite and intellectual class.
- Focus on Economics: Over time, the library’s collections grew to include significant resources on economics, political science, and social issues, making it a key institution for scholars in these fields.
Architectural Highlights:
- Classical and Soviet Architecture: The library is housed in a building that blends classical architectural features with Soviet-era elements. The building reflects both the imperial aspirations of the 19th century and the functional, utilitarian design of the Soviet period.
Must-See Features:
- Extensive Economic Collections: The library holds an extensive collection of economic and political works, with a focus on Russian economic thought and its evolution over the centuries.
- Research Resources: The library continues to serve as a key resource for students and researchers in economics and social sciences.
5. The National Library of Russia
The National Library of Russia, formerly known as the State Public Library of the Russian Empire, is one of the oldest libraries in the country and serves as the national library for the Russian Federation. Located near Nevsky Prospekt, it was founded by Empress Catherine the Great in the late 18th century and is known for its extensive collections.
Historical Significance:
- Catherine the Great’s Patronage: As one of the most important intellectual patrons of the Russian Empire, Catherine the Great founded the National Library with the aim of creating an institution for public learning and intellectual exchange.
- Russian Heritage: Over the years, the library has grown into one of the largest collections of Russian literature, history, and culture, and it continues to preserve the national heritage through its archives.
Architectural Highlights:
- Neoclassical Design: The library building was designed in the neoclassical style, featuring columns, elegant façades, and grand interiors that evoke the intellectual grandeur of the Russian Empire.
- Reading Rooms and Archives: The library’s reading rooms are spacious, and the atmosphere reflects the dignified purpose of the institution.
Must-See Features:
- Russian Historical Collections: The National Library of Russia houses rare historical books and manuscripts, including early Russian texts, imperial documents, and works by famous Russian authors such as Pushkin and Dostoevsky.
- Special Exhibitions: The library frequently hosts exhibitions of rare manuscripts, books, and historical documents, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore Russia’s cultural and intellectual past.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s imperial libraries are more than just places to read—they are repositories of Russia’s intellectual, artistic, and historical legacy. From the grand halls of the Russian National Library to the stunning collections at the Hermitage Museum Library, these institutions offer an extraordinary window into Russia’s imperial past and its ongoing commitment to preserving knowledge. A tour of these iconic libraries provides a fascinating exploration of Russia’s intellectual history and cultural heritage, offering insights into the books, manuscripts, and works that have shaped Russian society for centuries. Whether you are a bibliophile, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of these historic spaces, a visit to Saint Petersburg’s imperial libraries is a must.
