Marking the 350th anniversary of Peter the Great: Exhibition project “Peter the Great. Trips to Europe” opens in Moscow

On June 8, 2022, marking the 350th anniversary of Peter the Great, the State Historical Museum (Moscow) launches an exhibition project “Peter the Great. Trips to Europe”, dedicated to the personality and deeds of the first Russian Emperor.

The new exposition displays more than 350 exhibits, related to the two trips of Peter I to European countries – the Grand Embassy in 1697-1698, and the Second Journey in 1716-1717.

«The exhibition continues the series of celebratory events dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Historical Museum, and is one of the biggest projects of the year. We’ve chosen the topic of Peter’s journeys, since these trips have affected many aspects in the reforms and developments of the country, and helped to expand and improve political and cultural connections of Russia. Thanks to the cooperation with other Russian museums, the exhibition is distinguished by the fullness and depth of its items», – stated Director of the Museum Alexey Levykin.

The exhibition features six sections, dedicated to the route and details of Peter I’s journeys, the Emperor’s interest in modern technical and scientific knowledge, the international situation in Europe in the end of XVII – beginning of XVIII centuries, and diplomatic goals of Tsar-reformer.

In 1697-1698, the young Tsar went abroad for the first time in Russian history and visited European countries within the Grand Embassy diplomatic mission. He traveled incognito to Courland, East Prussia, the Netherlands, England, Austria and Poland. One of the key objects of the section are clothes from Peter the Great’s wardrobe – European caftan, night gown (schlafrock) and camisole, that are being showcased for the first time. A special display is dedicated to the big illustrated “Atlas” bought in Amsterdam by Nikita Zotov, mentor of Peter Alexeyevich.

During his Second Journey abroad in 1716-1717, Tsar visited Poland, Prussia, Denmark, the Netherlands and France. During that time, Russia, having won on land and sea in the Great Northern War, has become an important player in European politics. The visual part of the section is presented by two portraits of Peter I, as well as the painting “Battle of Lesnaya” by Jean-Marc Nattier created by the personal order of the monarch. Personal seals of Peter I and Catherine I, full signs of Emperor and numismatic monuments also deserve special attention.

An important part of the exposition is the “cabinet of rarities” of Peter the Great, based on engraved images of interiors of scientific cabinets of the first half of XVIII century. Here are collected the items that Peter I brought from the European countries: paintings, pieces of decorative arts, books, instruments and tools. Among the exhibits, visitors will have an opportunity to see a unique monument of cartographic art – the globe from 1640s, made in the famous workshop of Joan Blau in Amsterdam.

The exhibition will run until October 3, 2022.