Pavel Tretiakov, the collector of some of the best work of contemporary artists in Moscow and St. Petersburg, founded this gallery in 1856. His brother Sergei collected French and Dutch masters, and in 1872 they combined their collections and opened this extremely popular museum named The State Tretyakov Gallery (Tret'iakovskaia Galereia). In 1892 it was donated to the city of Moscow and lives on with works by famous Russian painters such as Vasilii Perov, Ivan Kramskoi and Ilia Repin.
Away from the urbane cacophony of central Moscow lies a jewel where history and nature together, unravel some of their most magnificent layers. Watching over the meandering waters of Moskva River, this erstwhile estate is a scenic ensemble of churches, yards and a smattering of moving monuments. Having once been highly exalted by the mighty monarchs of Moscow, this picturesque estate has served as the residence of many tsars including the fabled Ivan the Terrible. An entrancing complex riddled with unbridled green beauty, here is where rumbling lawns, parks and gardens are sliced by paved, winding pathways and sinuous streams like the enigmatic Zhuzha River and the trickling Kolomenskoye Stream, among many others. Strewn across the verdant landscape of the complex are numerous buildings of historic, cultural and architectural beauty, like the Church of Our Lady of Kazan, the eccentric Wooden Palace and most importantly, the pristine white Ascension Church, which, with its octagonal layout, pointed windows and traditional kokoshniks, is a true embodiment of quintessential Russian architecture.
A mesmerizing collection of vivid hues and domes, St. Basil's Cathedral looms at the southern end of the Red Square, one of Russia's most widely-recognized architectural monuments. Originally built between 1555 and 1561 to commemorate the victory of Ivan IV in Kazan, the cathedral was a vision in white stone with gilded domes. The colors and patterns were not added until the 17th Century. Little is known about the architects of this majestic edifice and for a time legend had it that Ivan IV had the duo blinded to prevent them from replicating the design. Originally composed of nine chapels, a tenth was added a few years later where the tomb of Saint Basil lies. Although officially named the Cathedral of the Intercession, this historic jewel's more popular moniker derives from this. Today, St. Basil's Cathedral is a museum attracting droves of visitors each year, inspiring awe in all those who lay their eyes upon it.
It is impossible to miss this museum, given that it sits right on Red Square. At the entrance, there's always someone dressed as Ivan the Terrible or Lenin, for those looking for a photograph. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1883 and recognized as Russia's largest museum as it houses artifacts that are over a hundred years old. Inside, there are various exhibitions dedicated to the sweeping richness of Russian history, from mammoth tusks and bronze age relics to the posters dating back to the Soviet-era.
Nestled in the heart of Moscow, the majestic Kremlin Armoury is a treasured jewel of the Kremlin complex. Established in 1851, it is regarded to be one of the oldest museums in the city. Constructed by eminent architect Konstantin Ton, the museum was once a royal arsenal that was tasked to safeguard several precious possessions like arms, ammunition and jewelry belonging to the imperial nobility of ancient Russia. Today, the armory functions as an elaborate museum which retains many artifacts left behind by the mighty Tsars, some of which are the Imperial Crown of Russia, the back-swords of Minin and Pozharsky, the bejeweled Clover Leaf Egg, the throne of Ivan the Terrible and many other relics like household artifacts, royal carriages, and more. The legacy of the ancient monarchs lives on in this museum which is strategically demarcated into distinctive halls and the Armoury Chamber inside. Also sheltering exhibits and collectibles which reveal the ancient artistic tenor of Eastern Europe, this museum has been widely instrumental in chronicling the royal, historic and cultural heritage of Russia.
Museum of Calligraphy is a unique museum devoted entirely to the the art of penmanship, and features a plethora of artwork from 43 different countries across the globe. The venue was established in early 2008, and has been a huge crowd-puller ever since. It is associated with the renowned International Council of Museums as well as the American Alliance of Museums. The site is always abuzz with activities, and is known to frequently organise workshops and exhibitions.
Pavel Tretiakov, the collector of some of the best work of contemporary artists in Moscow and St. Petersburg, founded this gallery in 1856. His brother Sergei collected French and Dutch masters, and in 1872 they combined their collections and opened this extremely popular museum named The State Tretyakov Gallery (Tret'iakovskaia Galereia). In 1892 it was donated to the city of Moscow and lives on with works by famous Russian painters such as Vasilii Perov, Ivan Kramskoi and Ilia Repin.
The search for a site with one of the largest collections of Old Russian Art ends at The Private Museum of Russian Icon. The stately museum was founded in 2006 by Mikhail Abramov, and also features an enviable collection pertaining to Byzantine art. The site houses almost 4000 pieces of work and is hailed as a premier art museum of Moscow. This place is affiliated with the International Council of Museums.
Tsaritsyno Park, located on the outskirts of Moscow, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Moscow. Built for Queen Catherine in the 18th Century, the stunning palace features fine Neo-Gothic architectural style and covers several acres of land along with its adjoining parks. It has multiple entertainment options available for visitors who can either take a stroll in the beautiful nature reserve parks with its extensive animal and plant life and breathtaking flower gardens or have a look inside the magnificent building and check out the various museums, concert halls and fine art exhibitions on display. Two exquisite banquet halls are given for private events like conferences, meetings, weddings and dinner parties along with many additional services by musicians, sound and light engineers and tour guides available for guests. It is truly one of a kind park in the city if not the entire country and definitely deserves a visit if you are in Moscow.
The Museum of the Moscow railway is a quaint little museum located near the Paveletsky railway station and houses some of the rarest and oldest railway engines, trolleys and carriages in Russia. The most popular attraction by far is a 'Funeral train' attached to a steam locomotive which carried Vladimir Lenin's body during his funeral processions. Although most of the information on the exhibits is provided in English, English guided tours are available for foreigners and are booked in advance. A special tour involving a small train ride on a steam locomotive is a favorite among locals and comes highly recommended to all visitors. The museum and its displays are sure to delight any railway enthusiast and young children as well. Photography and video shooting is allowed here, but at an additional cost of 200 rubles.
Tagansky Protected Command Point was formerly a secret underground military complex, Aviation Command Post and bunker. Situated in the very heart of the capital city of Moscow, this place is now adapted as a museum and entertainment complex stretching over an area of 0.7 hectares (1.73 acres). Play Lazer tag, visit the museum and enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Bunker-42 restaurant. The venue is also available for hire for private events like meetings, weddings and parties.