Moscow is the capital of Russia, as well as a Russian, as well as European capital of science and culture. The long history of Russia can be brought closer to you by visiting museums situated in Moscow. Notable Moscow museums and galleries are a must-see for all fans of art and history. We recommend that you create a list of priorities as there is a lot to see, and the number of museums and galleries you visit is limited by the amount of time you spend in Moscow.
The State Tretyakov Gallery is one of the largest museums in Russia, with over 180 thousand art pieces displayed, including paintings, icons and sculptures depicting Russian art from between 11th and 20th centuries. The most notable pieces displayed are works from the second half of the 19th century i.e. works of Russian realism. The history of the gallery begins in 1856, when Moscow merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov (1832 - 1898) began buying works by Russian artists with the aim of creating a rich collection.
The State Historical Museum is located in the north side of the Red Square in Moscow. The impressive building was designed by architect Vladimir Osipovich Shervud with the goal of presenting Russian history in a beautiful building, and of doing so by displaying artwork ranging from antique to works dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition of displayed artwork is incredible and contains art pieces from prehistoric times, done by tribes who lived in the area where Russia sits today, as well as an impressive collection of paintings which once belonged to the Russian royal family.
When you embark on a tour of Moscow’s museums, one of your first stops should definitely be The Pushkin Museum. The museum, whose full name is The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, used to be called The Alexander III Fine Arts Museum. Opened for the public way back in 1912, the museum changed its name twice, only getting the name we know today in 1937, during the reign of the Communist Party, on the 100th anniversary of the great poet’s death. The building in which the museum is situated was designed by Roman Klein and Vladimir Shukhov.
Firearms dating back to the 18th century, which were constructed by both Russian and foreign craftsmen, are particularly interesting for visitors. The works of Western, as well as Eastern masters, were either gifted to, or bought by, the royal family and aristocracy in general. The saadak of the "Grand set" of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich studded with precious stones, that was made in Istanbul in 1656 is particularly luxurious. Examples of firearms by West-European masters, such as Dutch Barent Penterman, French Claude Chasteau, Englishman John Howkins and many other famous armorers, are really splendid by their artistic decoration and high technical qualities.
The Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812 – The idea of opening a museum dedicated to the Patriotic War of 1812 came when French troops left Russia, and it was General Mikhail Kutuzov himself who wished to open a museum so that the memory of the war would never fade. The undertaking of the museum formation project included the public in cooperation with historians, archeologists collectors and art experts. A special committee was formed with the goal of forming the museum collection as well as funds for the museum’s construction. The works which were to be displayed at the museum came from both private collectors and other existing museums, with some individual objects being bought abroad.
