June, 18 - September, 28, 2009

the State Historical Museum

The exhibition is dedicated to the "decisive battle" of the Great Northern War (1700 - 1721), in which the so-called Northern Alliance composed of Russia, Denmark, Poland-Lithuania and Saxony fought against Sweden for the supremacy in the Baltic Sea. Its exposition, containing diplomatic documents and historical records of warfare, engravings on themes of the Battle and celebrations of the Russian victory, panegyrics to Peter I and his superhuman virtues and achievements, is interesting and worthy of visiting for everyone, who is keen on Russian history and culture.

The victory at Poltava on 27th of June, 1709 was a time of a glorious triumph for Peter I as well as for Russian military forces. It has become a turning point in the Great Northern War and history of Russia, which marked the rise of its supremacy in Eastern Europe. Therefore Peter I decided to set up a state holiday celebrated on this day as it was a grand occasion for the Russian people.

Numerous unique articles relating to this great historical event are on display, 10 of which are brought from the Kremlin collection, i.e. military bugles, cuirasses, Russian and Swedish officer decorations and the Chief officer insignia of Peter I. At the exhibition visitors will see authentic Russian and Swedish banners and standards, camisole of Peter I, worn by him during the battle, a unique item - grenadier hat of the Charles XII's trabants, trophies and finds from the battlefield. The reconstructed course of the battle is presented by means of multi-media based interactive installations, purchased specially for the project.

The highlight of the exposition is a large painting by Pierre-Denis Martin "The Battle of Poltava", executed for Peter the Great in 1726.

The exposition, having become an important project to Russian as well as European audience, is remarkable for historical relics revealing the glory of Russian army at Poltava.