St. Petersburg Cultural Secret: Exploring the Russian National Library

The Russian National Library is one of the oldest public libraries in Russia, located at 36 Fontanka River Embankment in the city center of St. Petersburg, adjacent to Ostrovsky Square. As one of Russia's two national libraries, it is renowned for its rich collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and art treasures, and is hailed as the "Heart of Russian Culture." The library was founded in 1795 by order of Catherine the Great. Its neoclassical architectural exterior is solemn and elegant, housing over 43 million documents in more than 300 languages, including Europe's oldest printed materials, Pushkin's manuscripts, and Russia's first newspaper from 1703, "The Gazette," among other precious collections. The most famous "Faust Room" inside is designed in Gothic style, containing rare editions before 1501 and private collections of famous figures such as Louis XIV and Napoleon, resembling a miniature medieval monastery. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Main Building: Monday to Friday 12:00-20:00, weekends 11:00-19:00; New Building (165 Moskovskiy Prospekt): Monday to Friday 09:00-21:00, Saturday to Sunday 11:00-19:00. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours (Main Building) or 1-2 hours (New Building). Notes: Visitors must bring a passport to register at the front desk and receive a visitor card for free entry. Some areas in the Main Building (such as the rare books reading room) require advance reservation and photography is prohibited; photography is allowed in non-reading areas of the New Building but must be silent. Backpacks, cameras, and other large items are prohibited inside the library but can be stored for free on the basement level. 💴【Ticket Prices】 Free admission, but some special exhibitions or guided tours may charge fees (e.g., the "Faust Room" guided tour costs about 500 rubles, approximately 42 yuan). Recent changes: No ticket price adjustments planned for 2025; it is recommended to carry cash (rubles) for possible extra fees. ⛺【Activities】 1. In-depth Experience at the Main Building Reading Room No. 3: One of the largest reading rooms in Europe, covering over 120,000 square meters with a ceiling height of 10 meters. Vintage green desk lamps and European-style tables and chairs create a historic atmosphere. It was a filming location for the Soviet film "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears." Faust Room: Gothic vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows create a mysterious atmosphere. Visitors can closely view rare editions and celebrity collections. Guided tours with English commentary are available (advance booking on the official website required). Rare Books Exhibition Hall: Displays rare manuscripts, maps, and artworks from the 18th century to the present, including Peter the Great’s nautical charts and Catherine the Great’s private collections. 2. Modern Technology Experience at the New Building Digital Resource Center: Access the library’s treasured electronic documents via touchscreen devices, such as high-resolution scans of the first edition manuscript of "War and Peace." Art Gallery: Regularly hosts photography and contemporary art exhibitions, with the current theme "St. Petersburg in Russian Literature." 3. Cultural Events Lectures and Concerts: Monthly literary salons and classical music performances (e.g., Tchaikovsky specials) are held, requiring reservations via the official website or social media. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 City Transport: Metro: To the Main Building, take the blue line to "Mayakovskaya" station (Маяковская), exit 3, then a 5-minute walk; to the New Building, take the blue line to "Park Pobedy" station (Парк Победы), exit 2, then a 300-meter walk. Bus: Near the Main Building, buses 2, 10, and 14 stop at "Ostrovsky Square"; near the New Building, buses 3 and 15 stop at "Park Pobedy." Taxi: The airport to the Main Building is about 25 km, costing around 500 rubles (about 42 yuan). Yandex.Taxi is recommended. 👉【Itinerary Suggestion】 One-day Tour Recommendation Morning: 09:00 Arrive in St. Petersburg, take the metro to the New Building, visit the Digital Resource Center and Art Gallery. 11:30 Walk 10 minutes to Ostrovsky Square to see the Catherine the Great Monument and the Alexandrinsky Theatre. Noon: 12:30 Enjoy a Russian light meal at the nearby "Eliseevsky Food Hall" (Елисеевский гастроном), recommended dishes include borscht and roast beef. Afternoon: 14:00 Visit the Main Building, focusing on Reading Room No. 3 and the Faust Room (advance guided tour booking recommended). 16:30 Walk 15 minutes to Nevsky Prospect, visit Kazan Cathedral and the "Literary Café" (where Gogol and Dostoevsky once gathered). Evening: 19:00 Take the metro to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, enjoy the night view, then return to the hotel. Accommodation Recommendations M Hotel: A 5-minute walk to the Main Building, offers free breakfast and luggage storage, priced around 3000 rubles/night (about 255 yuan). Nevsky Prospect Apartments: Located in the heart of Nevsky Prospect with street views, suitable for families, priced around 4500 rubles/night (about 383 yuan). 🧡【Preparation Before Travel】 Documents: Passport, hotel reservation confirmation (some areas may have spot checks). Clothing: In May, St. Petersburg temperatures range from 10-18°C; recommended to wear a trench coat or light sweater and bring an umbrella (rainy season). Items: Light backpack (carry essentials after storage), power bank (limited charging facilities inside), headphones (for use in the Digital Resource Center).