Museum of Playing Cards

This unique museum is the only one in Russia dedicated to the history of the playing card. It is housed in the former headquarters of the palace administration, which were built in the late eighteenth century. Over eight thousand exhibits are spread out over six rooms. Besides objects and accessories linked to card games, visitors can see packs used for bezique, whist, bridge, lotto, patience and fortune-telling from Japan, China, Great Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Russia. The cards come in all shapes (rectangular, oval, round and zigzag) and sizes (from tiny to enormous). One of the rarest exhibits is the early Pack with Hawkers (1690).

The museum is open from 10.30 am to 6 pm; ticket office closes at 5 pm

Closed every Monday