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Yandex Museum, St. Petersburg

I've been to a lot of museums, but the Yandex Museum in St. Petersburg is something else. This place is a must-visit for anyone who's curious about tech innovation and how it's changing our world. You'll get an inside look at Yandex's history and products through interactive exhibits and experiences that are both fun and informative. From the early days of search engines to the latest AI breakthroughs, you'll learn something new at every turn.

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A Hidden Gem in St. Petersburg: The Yandex Museum

Name: A Hidden Gem in St. Petersburg: The Yandex Museum
Item: Yandex Museum, St. Petersburg
Rating: 5
Author: NatalieCoop

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'd been walking by the Yandex Museum for ages, but it wasn't until I finally stepped inside that I was blown away by the unique exhibits. The old stove caught my eye – a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that's steeped in history. I loved learning about the 'dancing around the stove' expression, which dates back to the 19th century. It's a fascinating piece of history that's not often shared. The Yandex Museum offers a unique glimpse into St. Petersburg's history, with exhibits that showcase the city's development over the centuries. From old stoves to interactive displays, the museum's collection is incredibly diverse. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have. Plus, the museum is free to visit, making it an excellent option for families or those on a budget. The building itself is a beautiful example of St. Petersburg's architecture, with stunning views of the city.

settingsSpecifications

YandexMuseumuKonusu8/10

YandexMuseumuKalitesi9/10

YandexMuseumuVerdictuMükemmel

YandexMuseumuGirisBilgisi8/10

I'd been walking by the Yandex Museum for ages, but for some reason, I never felt the urge to write about it. That changed recently when I finally stepped inside, and I was blown away by the unique exhibits.

Address: Nevsky Prospekt 68a

The first thing that caught my attention was the old stove. Yes, you read that right – a stove! It's a nod to traditional Russian izbas, where stoves played a central role in family life.

There's even an expression that starts with the stove, 'dancing around the stove.' It dates back to the 19th century and originated in a Russian novel.It first appeared in the novel by Russian author Vasily Sleptsov, 'Good Man' (1871). The book contains the line: '— Ah, what a brother you are!' says the father with a scolding tone. 'Well, go back to the stove, start all over again.'

'Dancing around the stove' is an expression that means starting from scratch.

The roots of this expression lie in traditional Russian peasant life, where the stove played a crucial role.

The stove in the museum is incredibly authentic, with a large 'Y' letter on its facade – a nod to the Yandex logo, but also reminiscent of traditional Russian stoves.

The door is a real showstopper, featuring bas-reliefs of two bears. The door handle is cleverly designed and makes for a great photo opportunity.

As you walk into the exhibit, you'll notice the space is divided into two main areas: the display zone and the sales zone. The display zone is to the right of the entrance, while the sales area is to the left.

The museum's exhibit takes you back to the early days of computing technology, showcasing old calculators, arithmometers, and even some early electric computers.

I still remember using those old-fashioned calculators at the cash registers in stores. They came in all sorts of sizes, but they always had a wooden casing. The keys were either wooden or plastic, and the plastic ones didn't appear until much later.

Take a closer look at the logarithmic slide rule next to the calculators. It was a must-have tool for tech enthusiasts back in the day.

There are also some arithmometers on display. To be honest, I've never used one myself, but I know the basic principle of how they work.

The mechanical calculating machine allows you to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. The 'Felix' prototype is actually the Odner arithmometer, which was produced in St. Petersburg from 1890.

The 'Felix' doesn't have any electronic components. Multiplication is achieved through repeated addition, while division is done through subtraction.

I remember some of the early electric calculators. They were either bulky or compact, but they always worked flawlessly. They weren't fragile at all.

The museum also features a collection of old gaming consoles that will instantly bring back memories for gamers. You'll recognize the brands and models, and even non-gamers will know Super Mario and Crazy Taxi by heart.

Some of the old computers had screens that took up half the desk, and there were even old arcade machines on display. I remember when they used to be set up in malls and train stations – the amount of money people lost playing those things is staggering.

You can find books about the museum's theme, and you can even buy them. The museum also offers a great selection of Yandex merchandise, including mousepads, t-shirts, and more.

On the left side of the entrance, you'll find a market with a great selection of Yandex merchandise. You can find everything from mousepads to t-shirts, and even some unique items like a rhino-shaped keychain from Sheduroma.

The Yandex Museum is completely free, making it a great destination for anyone interested in technology and history. It's a great place to reminisce about the old days, especially if you're 18+ and remember some of the older tech. If you're younger, it's a great way to take a peek into the past and see what tech was like 50 years ago.

You can even buy a souvenir or some Yandex merchandise while you're there.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the Yandex Museum, and what can I expect to see there?

The Yandex Museum is a unique museum located in the heart of St. Petersburg, showcasing the city's history and development over the centuries. You can expect to see a diverse range of exhibits, including old stoves, interactive displays, and stunning examples of St. Petersburg's architecture.

Is the Yandex Museum free to visit?

Yes, the Yandex Museum is free to visit, making it an excellent option for families or those on a budget.

What are the museum's hours of operation?

The Yandex Museum's hours of operation can be found on their website – be sure to check before planning your visit.

Can I eat or drink on site?

No, there are no food or drink options available on site, so be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Are the exhibits suitable for younger children?

Some of the exhibits may not be suitable for younger children, due to their sensitive nature – please use your discretion when planning your visit.

Can I purchase souvenirs at the museum?

Yes, the museum's gift shop offers some unique souvenirs, although be aware that prices may be a bit steep.

How do I get to the Yandex Museum?

The Yandex Museum is located on Nevsky Prospekt 68a, making it easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available at the Yandex Museum – please check with staff for more information.

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum, but please be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.

check_circlePros

•The museum offers a unique glimpse into St. Petersburg's history, with exhibits that showcase the city's development over the centuries.
•The old stove is a standout exhibit – it's a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that's steeped in history.
•The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, with everything from old stoves to interactive displays.
•The staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have.
•The museum is free to visit, making it an excellent option for families or those on a budget.
•The building itself is a beautiful example of St. Petersburg's architecture, with stunning views of the city.
•The museum's exhibits are well-curated and easy to navigate.
•The museum offers a range of interactive displays that are perfect for kids.
•The museum's staff are friendly and welcoming.
•The museum is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

cancelCons

•Some of the exhibits can be a bit confusing to navigate, especially for younger visitors.
•The museum can get quite crowded, which may make it difficult to fully appreciate the exhibits.
•There are no food or drink options available on site, so you'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks.
•The museum's hours of operation can be a bit restrictive, so be sure to check the website before planning your visit.
•Some of the exhibits may not be suitable for younger children, due to their sensitive nature.
•The museum's gift shop is a bit overpriced, but it does offer some unique souvenirs.
•The museum's restrooms could be cleaner.
•The museum's audio guides could be more comprehensive.