Memory of Russia: Exhibition devoted to the 250th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Catherine II opened in the State Historical Museum

July 3, the State Historical Museum (SHM) opened an exhibition "Catherine II. The way to throne". It is dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the accession to the throne of the famous ruler.

The exposition introduces visitors to the initial period in the life of Catherine II in Russia: from her arrival in the country till her accession to the throne. Key sections of the exhibition will tell about the origin of the German princess Sophia Augusta Frederika of Anhalt-Zerbst and her upbringing, her arrival in Russia, the adoption of Orthodoxy, marriage with the heir to the throne, the birth of her son, as well as a palace coup on June 28 and the coronation on September 22, 1762.

At the the exhibition will be presented for the first time two unknown portraits of Empress Elizabeth of Russia (by an unknown master of the XVIII century) and the Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich (presumably by brush of Pietro Rotary), a training book of Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst.

The authors of the exposition, among the most valuable relics on display at the review, call personal possessions: Elizabeth’s dress, uniforms of Peter III, the autograph of Elizabeth, Peter, and Catherine. All history fans are also interested in the history of the original notes of the famous Catherine II, and one of last letters of Peter III to his wife, written after a palace coup.

The organizers have collected the materials which are of great historical value, which allow visitors to imagine the atmosphere of the XVIII century. Among the rare cartographic and numismatic monuments is a handwritten atlas of battles of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763 years), a large-plan of Saint-Petersburg of 1753, Western European medals, including the satirical and documentary materials.

The exhibition runs till September, 30.