Erarta is a private contemporary art museum at 2, 29th Line of Vasilievsky Ostrov, on Vasilievsky Island in St Petersburg, Russian Federation. Opened in 2010, it occupies a converted Soviet-era research building and concentrates on contemporary art rather than the imperial collections associated with the city’s older museums. Travelers come for Russian painting, sculpture, installations, and immersive experiences spread across five floors, with temporary international exhibitions adding photography, fashion, and design to the mix.
What to Expect at Erarta
The building separates into a Museum Wing for the permanent collection and an Exhibitions Wing for changing shows. The collection encompasses thousands of works, with painting alongside collage, objects, video, and science art. Begin with the introductory audio guide rather than trying to inspect every room equally: it gives unfamiliar artists context and makes the scale manageable. Erarta focuses on art created since 1945; do not arrive expecting a collection of original Malevich or Kandinsky masterpieces.
The signature U-Space installations turn viewing into a private, ten-minute encounter with a themed environment. These require separate admission with an ordinary museum ticket. Art-Animation takes another approach, giving movement and narrative to paintings from the collection. Families can also watch The Adventures of BB Square, an art-education cartoon featuring a character inspired by Malevich’s famous square. English-language labels and translated interpretive material make independent exploration practical without a Russian-speaking guide.
- Permanent collection: Explore contemporary Russian art across painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia.
- Changing exhibitions: Compare the collection with rotating photography, fashion, and international contemporary art shows.
- U-Space: Add a ten-minute immersive installation session to your gallery route.
- Art-Animation: Watch selected collection paintings reimagined by professional animators.
- Café and shop: Pause for signature desserts on floor three, then browse art-themed gifts, prints, and original artworks.
Erarta at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2, 29th Line of Vasilievsky Ostrov, St Petersburg, 199106, Russian Federation |
| Neighborhood / Area | Vasilievsky Island, Vasilyeostrovsky District |
| Operating Hours | Wednesday–Monday, 11:00–23:00; normally closed Tuesday. Public-holiday exceptions apply. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Single visit: ₽1,500; ages 60+: ₽900; ages 16–21: ₽990; ages 4–15: ₽600; under four: free. Concessions at ticket counters; U-Space extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2–3 hours; longer with several installations and a meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Gorny Institut metro, Line 4; surface transport stops at 28th–29th Lines. Choose public transport rather than relying on street parking. |
| Official Website / Phone | Official visitor information and tickets; +7 812 324-08-09 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 11:00 on a weekday for an unhurried start, or use the late opening hours for an evening visit. Buy through the official ticket page: online tickets provide fast-track entry, with the barcode scanned from your phone. Bring headphones for the complimentary smartphone audio guides. Purchase age-based concessions at the museum, and arrange U-Space sessions early in your visit. Photography is welcome without flash; leave bulky luggage and umbrellas in the cloakroom.
Gorny Institut is the simplest metro approach; buses 6 and 249 also serve the 28th–29th Lines stop from Vasileostrovskaya. Inside, elevators connect the five floors; ask reception for the wheelchair entrance route and assistance. Strollers enter exhibition spaces on Mondays only; otherwise leave them in the designated lobby area and use a baby carrier. Pair the museum with Sevkabel Port’s waterfront dining area, roughly 10–15 minutes away on foot, or walk about 15 minutes toward the Krasin icebreaker on Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment. Allow extra time for crossings and uneven pavement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Erarta open, and when should I arrive?
Regular hours are 11:00–23:00 Wednesday through Monday. Tuesday is normally closed, although public holidays can override that schedule. Arriving at opening leaves ample time for both wings.
How much are tickets, and should I reserve?
Standard single-visit admission costs ₽1,500 and includes the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and audio guides. Online purchase gives fast-track entry. U-Space costs extra; a ₽2,950 Single-Visit Membership includes these installations.
How long should I budget?
Allow two to three hours for a balanced visit. With only one hour, concentrate on the first Museum Wing floor and selected temporary galleries rather than attempting all five floors.
Is Erarta suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Children have cartoons and accessible art experiences, while elevators support travel between floors. Contact reception about wheelchair arrival arrangements. For families using strollers, Monday is the designated day for taking them into galleries.
When planning your St. Petersburg travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in St. Petersburg, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), Sunken Gardens, Crown Hotel St. Petersburg, and Peter the Great Central Naval Museum (2.4 km away).
