The National Library of Russia and Voltaire’s Library Tour
Description:
The National Library of Russia (the NLR), one of the largest libraries on the world, was based in the Imperial Public Library in St. Petersburg. The Library was established in 1795 by Catherine the Great. The NLR consists of 36 million books as well as Voltaire’s Library, where a unique collection of his works of the Age of the Enlightenment resides.
Voltaire’s Library consists of 6814 volumes, almost one third of them is marked by the former owner, Voltaire. Catherine the Great ordered those rare books from the private Voltaire’s library, all the volumes were delivered from Ferney to St. Petersburg in 1779.
Initially, Voltaire’s Library was established in the Hermitage. The library was closed to the public during the reign of Nicholas I. Only Alexander Pushkin, who had been appointed historiographer, was granted exceptional access to the collection. In 1861 the library was transferred to the Imperial Public Library, currently the NLR.
During the guided tour you will see the library, Russian Book Stock, Voltaire Library, reading halls and a rare/antique books department. You will explore the history of the Library along with its collection of historical works, science, art and philosophical dissertations including works of Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau.
Enjoy the National Library of Russia and the Voltaire Library, a great cultural heritage of the 18th century in St. Petersburg.
Cost
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