Heroes of Might & Magic Have Come To Real World
.jpg "Heroes of Might & Magic Have Come To Real World")
For many of us, classic fantasy games from 1990s and 2000s such as "Heroes of Might and Magic III", "Gothic" and "Disciples" are cherished memories on a screen. The devoted fans of the game “Heroes III”, that has stayed the best option to relax for several generations, welcome everyone to enjoy the real size scenes and the atmosphere of the game’s venues in Brusnitsyn Cultural Quarter in St. Petersburg. Go on a journey back into the vibrant, strategic, and magical universe of "Heroes of Might and Magic III" at the "World of Heroes" exhibition.
What is on display?
As those who have played the game can remember, there are 9 main factions in the game (Castle, Rampart, Tower, Inferno, Necropolis, Dungeon, Stronghold, Fortress and Conflux), in which creatures are divided into 7 levels depending on their strengths and abilities. The entrance of the venue can be easily spotted as there is no chance to miss a green troglodyte (a creature of the first level of the Dungeon faction) peeping out of the former factory wall. Also, a good guideline would be the phrases related to the fantasy entertainment printed on the windows and look like a stained-glass panel imitating a computer screen with the running game.
Inside the building, one will be immediately greeted by kind staff who will help with tickets and storing things in the cloakroom. A big travel guide will be handed out - it's not just a piece of paper, it's your key to the secrets of this world, with basic information about the exhibits.
The visitor’s adventures start in a typical teenager’s room from the 2000s. It's not just a reconstruction - it's a time capsule. Youth posters on the walls, post-Soviet furniture exuding the spirit of the era, and, most importantly, an old but faithful computer with a familiar main menu and a logo on the screen. However, the most important object here is not the monitor. There is a portal, a shining door to another world, to the world of heroes.
On the other side of the portal the eyes dart around. The space is not just filled with exhibits — it lives, breathes and whispers legends. The map is huge, and the route can be laid out in dozens of different ways, just like in the game itself. The most beautiful rule of this world is that it is not forbidden to touch the legends. Take pictures, interact, become a part of the story. Notice that on the walls there are scattered notes and sketches of the hero who got there before you. The illustrations and scripts are like hints left by the guide: either take a photo of them to read later, in a calm home environment or pay your attention to them on the spot. The vibe of the game throughout the journey is accompanied by various musical themes from the game, which will further immerse you in the unique atmosphere.
Let us describe the "hero’s path" one can go through. In a nocturnal, mystery-shrouded world, real sand and stones crunch under the feet, and lost things lie on the ground - silent witnesses of past battles. The heart will skip a beat at the sight of the first guardian of this world — a huge, moving and ominous Minotaur with scarlet eyes. The mysterious creature is holding a gigantic axe. This is not just a fifth-level creature of the Dungeon faction - it is the living embodiment of a mythical horror tamed by the magic of the exhibition. Look into its eyes without fear of getting lost in its maze.
The gaze, looking up from the Minotaur, will immediately stumble upon something opposite, but therefore no less colorful. To the right of the entrance, a short green creature with a predatory grin of sharp teeth attracts the visitors’ sight. This is a Goblin infantryman of the Citadel faction, whose plainness is deceptive. Do you remember: in the game, could their hordes decide the outcome of the battle? Here, alone, it reminds of this strategy lesson.
As one proceeds, a Gnoll-marauder— a "humanized hyena" of the Fortress faction with a heavy mace in its hands will meet the stranger. It is standing in a corner like a sentry, guarding the treasures scattered around. Your attention will be drawn to the Scales of the Greater Basilisk shining on the ground, an artifact which power is familiar to every fan. And next to it, Star Axis magically pulsates. Come closer at the moment when its scarlet stone flashes with the brightest light — this is a chance not just take a picture, but to capture the magical essence itself in the frame, getting a figurative "plus to aura".
Next to the Gnoll, the visitor will be greeted by a familiar silhouette — a Troglodyte, the one that winked from the facade. Now it is in its entirety: a chubby, blind creature which mouth, which can be explore with a hand if the guest is courageous enough. The chaos surrounding it — the destroyed carriage, debris, scattered artifacts — eloquently hints that the battle here had died down only a moment ago.
Here's the first surprise: both the Gnoll and the Troglodyte have their own secret paths. Two small, almost hidden passages lead to the real gems of the exhibition — miniature, incredibly detailed models of their native castles: Fortress and Dungeon! One will be able to examine every tower, every fortification, look into the most hidden corners of these citadels and imagine how life boils in them.
A gloomy elegance awaits nearby. At the other end of the location, wearing a crown and shining armor, is located a statue of a powerful Lich, a fifth-level aristocrat of death from the Necropolis faction. Its burning scarlet eyes are watching you, and at its feet there are legendary artifacts: ‘Lion's Shield of Courage’, part of the ‘Angelic Alliance’, and the ‘Armor of the Damned’, which brings death to enemies. Nearby is another secret passage leading to perhaps the most spectacular layout: Necropolis Castle. The irony and magic of the exhibition are fully manifested here: a tiny live spider is crawling along the walls of this city of death - an ideal, albeit random, symbol for this faction, whose totem it became in later episodes of the game.
To find the fourth and final castle layout, one will have to step back a bit, return to the humble Goblin. An inconspicuous corridor next to it leads straight into the fiery bowels of the Inferno. This faction of demons, despite its sinister reputation, is full of charismatic characters and is dearly loved by many players. The miniature is a tribute to the dark, but so bright sides of the ‘Heroes’ universe.
The rest of the way lies through a long corridor-maze: the walls there are a real encyclopedia of the universe. Here the explorer will find information about most of the creatures, their stories and mythological prototypes with photos, notes about famous buildings, as well as new ‘diary notes’ of the hero who had appeared there before. There is a chance to learn more about such characters as dendroids, griffins, gorgon bulls and many others. In the heart of this maze, the Altar of Sacrifice plays the role of a magnificent photo location. Its guardian is the imposing Magog with a fireball in its hand, whose formidable appearance, as experts know, does not always match its combat effectiveness in the game.
In the opposite direction from Magog, one will make the transition back to reality — but not immediately. First, find yourself in another nostalgic room, where the first game disks are on the shelves, and the modest interior evokes memories. Then an interactive room awaits — the realm of gameplay.
In its center there is a First aid tent with a chest inside, another point for memorable photos. There is a puzzle nearby where you need to carefully guide the ball to the castle. But the main thing is a number of working retro devices where you can challenge your friends or the computer in a legendary game, reviving the spirit of competition. The final challenge awaits in the last room: a real ballista, from which one to shoot down three archers - lizard warriors - from the castle towers in three attempts. It's not that easy! And before you leave this magical space, don't forget to leave your mark — write down your impressions in the book of reviews that is at the ballista itself. If you are a big fan of the game, then the comments of many visitors in this book will definitely make you smile.
The final chord of your adventure may be a visit to a small fan shop near the exit. Here you will find badges, stickers, key chains, posters and other treasures that will allow you to take a piece of Enroth with you — as a memory of a journey that blurred the line between pixels and reality. The store even sells one particularly expensive souvenir – if you buy it, you will be able to visit this exhibition for free in the future.
Fees and opening hours
The entrance fee is 900 or 700 roubles, depending on your exemptions. So, don’t forget your student ID! The exhibition is open from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is located on Vasilievsky Island in the Brusnitsyn Cultural Quarter. Please note: to get to the exhibition, you do not need to enter the main part of the Brusnitsyn. The entrance is on the corner of Kozhevennaya and Kosaya lines, directly opposite the former Brusnitsyn mansion. As mentioned earlier, you will be greeted at the entrance by the troglodyte, as well as nostalgic images and inscriptions.
More information can be found on the official exhibition website (for your convenience it will be mentioned below) and the Brusnitsyn's information website as well as VK community. If you are a fan of "Heroes of Might and Magic", love fantasy, playing computer games, or want to make a lot of cool photos, hurry up, because the exhibition is open until January 12, 2026. Judging by the reviews in the notebook at the end of the exhibition, the event did not leave indifferent not only those who are over 40 or 50 years old but also the youngsters. Enjoy your visit and magical adventures! :)
Reference
https://museum7.ru/
*All photos were taken by the author
Shared by
Veronika Efimova
