The subject of this research is art magazines of the late XIX – early XX centuries and their role in cultural life of the turn-of-the-century era. Based on the comprehensive and systemic culturological approach, which encompasses historical-cultural method, textological analysis, scientific classification (analysis of primary sources, secondary data), structural-typological and other methods of scientific analysis, the author advances the general characteristic of the specificity of the new format of periodicals as an intrinsically valuable phenomenon of the Silver Age. Special attention is given to the prerequisites for creation of art magazine, as well as the cultural context of its emergence. The symbolist magazine did not only promote new trends in art and literature, but also formed the unique cultural phenomena. Being a platform for uncompromising and innovative findings, the symbolist periodicals have become a launching ground for such phenomena as symbolist journalism, symbolist criticism, new illustration, as well as advanced methods of arrangement of printed publications. The novelty of this research lies in determination, classification and detailed description of specific features that distinguish art magazines of the Silver Age, as well as revelation of a range of phenomena generated by this format of periodicals. It is demonstrated that besides the fact that art magazines of the turn of the century have become a unique diary of the era, which most clearly reflected its mentality, as well as evolution of art and thought of the late XIX – early XX centuries, they largely determined the cultural paradigm of the Silver Age. The presented materials and conclusions can be used in lectures and seminars on the history and theory of culture, the history of Russian journalism, development of the course “Art Magazines of the turn of the XIX – XX centuries”, as well as contribute to broadening of theoretical representations of the culture of the Silver Age.