A unique exhibition in St. Petersburg is offering visitors a glimpse into the world of Soviet diplomacy through rare artifacts, including a leather-cased desk clock that once belonged to Alexandra Kollontai, the first female diplomat of the USSR. The exhibition, titled "Diplomatic Line of Life: Three Centuries of St. Petersburg Diplomacy," opened on February 11 at the State Museum of Political History of Russia.
The display features personal items from prominent Soviet diplomats such as Georgy Chicherin, Maxim Litvinov, and others. Among the highlights is Kollontai's desk clock, a symbol of her groundbreaking career. Kollontai served as an ambassador to Sweden, Norway, and Mexico, and during World War II, she was appointed as an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador. After the war, she continued her work in the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The exhibition also includes a recreation of a diplomat's office from the 1920s to 1940s, complete with authentic items from the museum's collection. Visitors can even sit in the diplomat's chair, immersing themselves in the role of a Soviet envoy. Another notable artifact is the inkwell of Vyacheslav Molotov, who served as the Soviet Foreign Minister from 1953.
In addition to personal items, the exhibition features a collection of awards from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought from Moscow specifically for this event. A modern diplomatic uniform of an extraordinary and plenipotentiary envoy, provided by Igor Demyanenko, deputy representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg, is also on display.
The exhibition pays special attention to the role of diplomats during World War II, showcasing original documents and identification papers. Visitors can also see protocol tableware used during official receptions and examples of diplomatic gifts exchanged between nations.
This exhibition not only highlights the personal stories of Soviet diplomats but also provides a broader understanding of the diplomatic efforts that shaped international relations during the 20th century.
