Philatelic Photograph, Lion Sculptures: Mikhaylovsky Palace Lions - St. Petersburg, Russia

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Russian Museum (Mikhaylovsky Palace) Lions

St. Petersburg, Russia

Topics: Philatelic Photo; Lion Sculptures

GPS: N59° 56.302; E030° 19.923

Quick Description: 

A pair of marble Medici inspired lions stand in front of the Mikhaylovsky Palace now the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg

Long Description:

The State Russian Museum houses the largest collection of Russian fine art in St Petersburg. The museum was established on April 13, 1895, upon enthronement of Nicholas II to commemorate his father, Alexander III. The main building of the museum is the Mikhailovsky Palace, the former neo-Classical residence of Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, erected in 1819-25 to a design by Carlo Rossi. In front of the palace a pair of marble lions guard the main entrance. 

The lions are inspired by the famous lions of the Medici family displayed at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The stand facing each other on opposite sides of a staircase each resting a front paw on a spherical object.

Physical Address: 

State Russian Museum

4, Inzhenernaya Ulitsa

St. Petersburg, Russia