The Samoylov Actors' Memorial Apartment Museum is located within the walls of Corinthia Hotel St. Petersburg at 57 Nevsky Prospect. It is a museum dedicated to a famous theatrical dynasty, set inside a historic building that is now part of the hotel complex. To touch the theatrical St. Petersburg of the 19th century, you don't even need to step outside.
Who Were the Samoylovs
The Samoylovs are one of the most famous acting dynasties of the Russian theater. For nearly a century and a half, throughout the 19th and first half of the 20th century, members of 3 generations of the family graced the stages of capital and provincial theaters. Their names were well known to all of theatrical St. Petersburg.
The owner of the house where the museum operates today was Vasily Vasilyevich Samoylov — a celebrated actor of the Imperial Alexandrinsky Theatre and a representative of the second generation of the dynasty. His home was a vibrant hub of city culture: actors, musicians, artists, and writers gathered here, music resonated, and conversations about art took place. It is precisely this atmosphere of a salon home that the museum has preserved.
The Museum Today
The Samoylov Actors' Family Memorial Apartment Museum opened in 1994 and became a branch of the St. Petersburg State Museum of Theatre and Music Art. It is the only museum in St. Petersburg dedicated to dramatic actors.
The history of the dynasty is gathered within exquisite interiors: portraits of 3 generations of Samoylovs, personal belongings, furnishings, and paintings, some of which were painted by Vasily Samoylov himself. The grand portrait hall tells the story of the family's artistic circle and the history of St. Petersburg's imperial theaters. Meanwhile, a small concert hall revives the tradition of home musical evenings that were once held within these walls — concerts continue to take place here today.
A Museum Within the Hotel Walls
Corinthia Hotel occupies 3 restored 19th-century buildings on Nevsky Prospect. One of them holds the memory of the Samoylov home, and the museum has become part of this story. For you, this means a rare opportunity: culture begins right outside your room door.
In the morning, you can head down for breakfast, and then, without traveling anywhere, find yourself in the theatrical St. Petersburg of the 19th century — surrounded by portraits, antique furniture, and the quiet of museum halls. Few hotels can offer a real museum under their own roof, and this is one of the details that makes Corinthia a special address in the city center.
How to Visit the Museum
The museum is open to visitors, offering themed guided tours about the Samoylov dynasty and the theatrical culture of St. Petersburg, as well as concerts commemorating the home's musical evenings. Schedules and programs change from time to time.
If you are staying at Corinthia, planning a visit is easiest through our concierge service: we will inform you of current opening hours, tell you about upcoming tours and concerts, and help select a convenient time. And if you wish to continue the theatrical theme beyond the hotel, we will assist with tickets to the Alexandrinsky, Mikhailovsky, or Mariinsky Theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Samoylov Apartment Museum? It is a memorial museum dedicated to the famous Samoylov acting dynasty, set in the historic building where Alexandrinsky Theatre actor Vasily Samoylov lived. The museum is dedicated to theatrical St. Petersburg of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where is the Samoylov Museum located? The museum is located within the walls of Corinthia Hotel St. Petersburg at 57 Nevsky Prospect — in one of the 3 historic 19th-century buildings occupied by the hotel.
Who were the Samoylovs? The Samoylovs were an acting dynasty whose 3 generations performed on the stages of St. Petersburg and provincial theaters for nearly a century and a half. The most famous among them, Vasily Samoylov, was a leading actor of the Imperial Alexandrinsky Theatre.
Can hotel guests visit the museum? Yes. The museum is located within the hotel walls, and you can visit it without stepping outside. Our concierge service will provide up-to-date opening hours and the schedule of tours and concerts.
