Panorama Museum (The Defense of Sevastopol 1854–1855)
Sevastopol
The Panorama Museum in Sevastopol showcases a massive painted panorama by Russian artist Franz Roubaud, depicting the 1855 Allied assault on the Malakhov Battery during the Crimean War. Measuring 115 meters long and 14 meters high, the artwork vividly captures the fierce defense of Sevastopol by Russian forces against overwhelming British and French troops. Completed between 1902 and 1904, the panorama was unveiled in a specially designed building in 1905 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the siege. The painting features notable historical figures such as Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, the nurse Dasha Sevastopolskaya, and surgeon Nikolay Pirogov, emphasizing the heroism of the defenders. The building and panorama suffered damage during the 1942 German-Romanian siege but were carefully restored in the 1950s. Today, visitors can experience this immersive historical artwork alongside marble busts of key heroes displayed in the museum's exterior niches. The museum offers a unique insight into one of the defining moments of the Crimean War and honors the resilience and sacrifice of the Russian defenders.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early summer for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers guided tours to enhance understanding of the panorama's historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The panorama measures an impressive 115 meters in length and 14 meters in height, making it one of the largest panoramic paintings in the world.
- •The painting depicts the June 6 (18), 1855, battle where 75,000 Russian troops repelled 173,000 British and French soldiers during the Crimean War.
- •During the 1942 siege of Sevastopol, the panorama was partially burned but was saved by a heroic evacuation on the destroyer Tashkent, which endured enemy air attacks.
- •The museum's exterior niches feature marble busts of heroes such as Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, nurse Dasha Sevastopolskaya, and surgeon Nikolay Pirogov.
- •The panorama was created with the assistance of 20 students from the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts and several other artists under Roubaud's direction.
History
Franz Roubaud began work on the panorama in 1901 after extensive research, including interviews with eyewitnesses and studying battle sites.
The full-scale painting was created in Munich with the help of several artists and students, then transported to Sevastopol and unveiled in 1905.
During World War II, the museum building was heavily damaged, and the panorama partly burned.
In 1942, surviving fragments were evacuated aboard the destroyer leader Tashkent under heavy attack, saving much of the artwork.
Restoration efforts in the 1950s returned the panorama to public display, preserving this monumental historical record for future generations.
Place Guide
The Panorama Painting1902–1904
The central exhibit is the vast panoramic painting by Franz Roubaud depicting the fierce battle at Malakhov Battery during the Siege of Sevastopol. The immersive 360-degree artwork surrounds visitors, providing a detailed and dramatic visual narrative of the 1854–1855 defense.
Marble Busts of Heroes
Located in the museum's exterior niches, these marble busts commemorate key figures of the siege, including Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, nurse Dasha Sevastopolskaya, surgeon Nikolay Pirogov, and sailor Petr Kishka, honoring their roles in the defense of Sevastopol.
The Museum Building1905
A specially designed structure built to house the panorama, featuring an architectural style that complements the monumental artwork. The building itself has historical significance, having survived wartime damage and restoration.
Contact
Phone: 8 (988) 360-63-85