Yes, you read that right — St. Petersburg is now home to the first Museum of Homelessness in Russia, and it’s more than just a quirky curiosity. This isn’t a place for dark humor or voyeurism — it’s a serious, thoughtful project that aims to explore homelessness through the lenses of sociology, anthropology, and, most importantly, human stories.
What to See at the Museum of Homelessness
The museum opened its doors in the spring — a time when the issue of homelessness becomes more visible on the city’s streets. And that’s no accident. The goal is to offer a deeper look at the people behind the statistics and stereotypes.
“We’re not romanticizing homelessness, and we’re definitely not making fun of it,” say the curators. “We want to share real stories and remind people: homeless individuals are people just like us. More often than not, they need support, not judgment.”
The exhibit spans centuries — from ancient times to the late 20th century — and features wax figures (photography is welcome, touching is not), personal diaries, handmade tools, old documents, and more. It’s a walk through history from the perspective of those who lived without a fixed address.
Future plans include lectures, film screenings, performances, and public talks with sociologists and historians.
How to Visit Russia’s First Social History Museum on Homelessness
Visits are by guided tour only, and each tour lasts about 45–55 minutes. Groups are small — up to 8 people at a time — and tours run hourly.
Larger groups should call ahead to arrange a visit: +7 931 527 31 31.
Due to mature themes like alcohol use and smoking — and the emotional realism of some exhibits — the museum is not recommended for children under 12.
📍 Address: 31 Gorokhovaya Street
🚇 Nearest metro stations: Sennaya Ploshchad / Sadovaya / Spasskaya
🕒 Open daily: first tour at 11:00 AM, last at 8:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 PM on weekends
🎟 Tickets: 650 rubles per person
🌐 Website: muzei-bomzhei.ru
