Academy of Fine Arts
Academy of Fine Arts in Russia Tours
The Imperial Academy of Arts, now known as the Repin Institute of Arts, is one of Russia’s most historic institutions dedicated to the teaching of fine arts. Founded in 1757 by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the academy played a major role in the development of Russian painting, sculpture and architecture.
Its magnificent Neoclassical building stands on the Universitetskaya Embankment of Vasilyevsky Island, overlooking the Neva River. Designed by architects Alexander Kokorinov and Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe, the building was constructed in the 18th century and is distinguished by its grand façade, monumental columns and classical proportions.
The academy has educated generations of renowned Russian artists and continues to preserve the traditions of academic painting, sculpture and architecture. Its historic setting and artistic legacy make it an important cultural landmark of St. Petersburg.

What is included & excluded
- The Academy is primarily an educational and cultural institution, so access to working academic areas may be restricted.
- Visitors entering museum or exhibition areas must follow the applicable ticketing and visitor regulations.
- Visitors should follow instructions from Academy or museum staff.
- Photography and filming may be subject to restrictions in exhibition areas.
- Visitors should not touch artworks, sculptures, architectural features or other exhibits.
- Quiet and respectful behaviour is expected inside exhibition and educational spaces.
- Certain rooms or areas may be temporarily closed due to classes, examinations, exhibitions, restoration or official events.
- Visitors should remain within designated public areas.
Cancellation policy
Terms & conditions
- The Academy is a functioning educational institution, so access to its premises may be restricted depending on academic activities, examinations, events and security requirements.
- Visitors must follow instructions from Academy staff and security personnel.
- Identification may be required for entry. The Academy specifically instructed participants of its 2026 Open Day to bring a passport for entry.
- Access to classrooms, studios, offices, workshops and other restricted academic areas is not permitted without authorisation.
- Visits to exhibitions, museum areas or special events may require advance registration or a separate ticket, depending on the particular programme.
- The Academy may change, postpone or cancel visitor access or events because of academic activities, security requirements, maintenance or other operational circumstances.
- Photography and filming may be restricted in certain areas or during exhibitions, classes and official events. Commercial photography/filming may require prior permission.
- Visitors must not touch, move or damage artworks, sculptures, architectural elements or other Academy property.
- Visitors are expected to behave respectfully and avoid disturbing teaching, examinations or other Academy activities.
- Children should remain under the supervision of an accompanying adult.
- Visitors must comply with applicable fire-safety, security and internal access regulations.
- The Academy has published an internal access-control regulation for its premises, confirming that entry and movement within the institution are governed by internal procedures.
- If a visit is part of a specific organised tour or exhibition, the booking's individual cancellation/refund conditions will apply.
- There is no universal tourist admission or cancellation policy that applies to every visit to the Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01Do Indians need a visa to visit Russia?
02How many days are enough for a Russia tour?
A 7–10 day trip is a good duration for visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg comfortably.
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