You now hold in your hands the first guidebook exclusively devoted to the lesser-known museums in the city.

It will tell you what they are, where they are, when they are open, and what you can expect to find in them. It will open up a new world, a St. Petersburg that is prepared to reveal its secrets to anyone who takes the trouble to investigate and inquire. (from John Julius Norwich's introduction to this book).

Cathy Giangrande's guide is as much a traveler's gem as are the treasures she describes. For anyone visiting St. Petersburg or merely wanting to learn more about one of the world's greatest cities, her guide is a must.

Cathy Giangrande is an art historian and archaeological conservator. She is the author of the TV series Unseen Treasures and has co-authored The Essential Guide to Collectibles. She works on Russian projects for the World Monuments Fund.