This Moscow museum is a gem, but be warned: you'll want to spend all day here!
add_circle Pros
- The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, with over 4.5 million items on display.
- The building itself is a work of art, with an impressive mix of Russian and European architectural styles.
- The staff is extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have.
- The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits that make learning about history a fun experience.
- The gift shop is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and historical artifacts.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for visitors with mobility issues to explore.
remove_circle Cons
- The museum can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
- Some of the exhibits may be too intense or disturbing for younger visitors.
- The museum's layout can be confusing, with multiple floors and wings to navigate.
- The audio guides can be a bit pricey, but they're worth it for the in-depth information.
- The museum doesn't offer a lot of amenities, such as food or drink options, within the building itself.
- The museum's hours can be a bit restrictive, with limited evening hours during the week.
Gallery
Editor's Summary
I'm still reeling from our visit to the State Historical Museum in Moscow - it's a real gem. As history buffs, my husband and I spent hours exploring the massive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum's stunning architecture and beautiful interior design left us in awe. We easily could have spent an entire day here, but we had to prioritize our sightseeing itinerary. If you're visiting Moscow, this museum is an absolute must-see – just be prepared to get lost in the fascinating exhibits! The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, with over 4.5 million items on display, including everything from ancient artifacts to modern relics. You'll find something that'll catch your eye, whether you're interested in Russian history, art, or culture.", "pros": [ "The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, with over 4.5 million items on display.", "The building itself is a work of art, with an impressive mix of Russian and European architectural styles.", "The staff is extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have.", "The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits that make learning about history a fun experience.", "The gift shop is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and historical artifacts.", "The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for visitors with mobility issues to explore." ], "cons": [ "The museum can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season.", "Some of the exhibits may be too intense or disturbing for younger visitors.", "The museum's layout can be confusing, with multiple floors and wings to navigate.", "The audio guides can be a bit pricey, but they're worth it for the in-depth information.", "The museum doesn't offer a lot of amenities, such as food or drink options, within the building itself.", "The museum's hours can be a bit restrictive, with limited evening hours during the week." ], "faq": [ { "question": "What is the State Historical Museum's address and opening hours?", "answer": "The State Historical Museum is located at Red Square, Moscow, Russia. It's open daily from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9pm." }, { "question": "How much does it cost to visit the museum?", "answer": "The ticket price for the State Historical Museum is 250 rubles for adults and 150 rubles for students and seniors." }, { "question": "Can I take photos inside the museum?", "answer": "Yes, non-commercial photography is allowed inside the museum, but please be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits." }, { "question": "Does the museum offer guided tours?", "answer": "Yes, the museum offers guided tours in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish." }, { "question": "Can I bring food or drink into the museum?", "answer": "No, food and drink are not allowed inside the museum, but there are several cafes and restaurants nearby." }, { "question": "Is the museum wheelchair accessible?", "answer": "Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting the different floors and wings." ], "meta_title": "State Historical Museum Moscow | Must-see Museum in Moscow", "meta_description": "Discover the State Historical Museum in Moscow, a treasure trove of Russian history and culture. Learn about the museum's exhibits, architecture, and more.", "og_title": "Moscow's State Historical Museum | A Must-see Destination", "og_description": "Explore the State Historical Museum in Moscow, a world-class museum featuring an incredible collection of Russian artifacts and exhibits.
Specifications
Hello everyone!
My husband and I visited Moscow about six months ago. We really enjoyed strolling around the city.
I love historical places and museums. Since we hadn't prepared beforehand, we didn't have a set route, so we decided to stick to the most famous spots. And Moscow has plenty of those, but it's still hard to choose.
It was November, and it was pretty chilly outside, so we spent most of our time indoors.
With only three days, we couldn't see everything, but we managed to hit some of the main attractions. We mostly explored the historic center and admired the Red Square and its surroundings.
The State Historical Museum is right on the Red Square.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
This massive, awe-inspiring building was constructed
between 1875 and 1883 specifically to house Russia's national treasures.
So, it was always meant to be used for what it's used for today.
I couldn't help but admire this place from the outside and take it in from all angles.
The ticket price for Russian citizens and EAEU countries is 600 rubles.
It's convenient that you can buy tickets both at the box office and online through the website.
There are many categories of discounted tickets, but some of them can only be used when buying a ticket at the box office.
We're a large family, so our visit was free (we didn't know about it beforehand, and it was a nice surprise).
State Historical Museum, Moscow
State Historical Museum, Moscow
As soon as you step inside, you're struck by its grandeur.
The high ceilings are adorned with intricate paintings from floor to ceiling. Above us, the genealogical tree of the royal family stretches out.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
The ceilings and walls in many of the halls are decorated with paintings and carvings, and half of the floor is made of mosaics. It's worth admiring not just the exhibits on display.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
The museum's collection spans from ancient times to the Soviet era.
Everyone will find something that interests and impresses them here.
State Historical Museum, Moscow I think it's best to break up a visit into multiple trips to really take in the different periods. But we were there for the first time, and we wanted to see everything, so we hit all the galleries. That took a few hours, and by the end, my husband's back was killing him... but he didn't regret the visit.
State Historical Museum, Moscow I couldn't possibly tell you everything - the exhibit is huge. And why would I want to? It's way more interesting to see it all in person! (If you're really curious, you can check out the rest of the photos on the museum's website).
Galleries in the Historical Museum are arranged chronologically by time.
State Historical Museum, Moscow In the first galleries, we're introduced to artifacts from excavations. There are a lot of them. You can see all sorts of things that people used to live with, and compare how different cultures lived.
State Historical Museum, Moscow It's fascinating to think about what people in the past thought was beautiful, and what they used to make their lives easier.
State Historical Museum, Moscow But some things have changed a lot. Like weapons. And to some extent, pottery.
State Historical Museum, Moscow Jewelry is a bit of a mixed bag, though. We didn't see anything particularly new or innovative. It's all pretty much the same - stringing beads onto a thread. When you're looking at all these ancient artifacts, you start to think that people today aren't necessarily more clever or advanced - we just have more tools and technology to help us make things. Back then, without all those fancy gadgets, people were still able to create some amazing things!
State Historical Museum, Moscow I was blown away by this dugout canoe that's thousands of years old. It's huge - I have no idea what kind of tree it came from! And it's not like it was a protected ship or anything - people actually used it to travel. They must have been incredibly skilled and brave to navigate it.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow I spent hours browsing through the museum's collection of books and written documents. From ancient liturgical texts to modern-day publications, it's clear how they've evolved over the centuries.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow Some of them were impossible to read - the lettering was so different, and many of the words were unfamiliar. But as I made my way through the centuries, things started to become clearer.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow Back then, books were almost works of art. Nowadays, they're much more straightforward - even in the most beautiful editions. But at least anyone can pick one up and read it, without having to sell their soul for the privilege.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow It's amazing how much people were able to create with their own hands back then. The State Historical Museum in Moscow It took so much strength, patience, and skill!
The State Historical Museum in Moscow The military gear, helmets, chainmail, and swords - it's not uncommon to see these things in museums or among modern-day enthusiasts who try to recreate them. But what always surprises me is how strong you had to be to wear all that, let alone fight effectively.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow There's an incredible collection of weapons on display, spanning different eras and not just Russian history. It's definitely worth dedicating a separate visit to the museum's armory.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow You can't help but think about how much attention had to be paid to this aspect of life throughout the centuries. Just think about all the people who wanted to conquer our land over the years.
The Petrovsky halls are instantly recognizable.
The State Historical Museum in Moscow
State Historical Museum, Moscow I was blown away by the European-style armor on display. The massive boots, beautiful weapons, and quirky trinkets had me hooked from the start.
State Historical Museum, MoscowThe globes brought back by the tsar from the Great Embassy really caught my eye.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
It was clear that during this period, people were really into transportation and entertainment.
There were plenty of sleds and carts on display.
State Historical Museum, MoscowOur ancestors were experts at making the most of what they had, even when it snowed. In fact, they seemed to enjoy the thrill of it all.Just imagine the fun they must have had sledding down the hills!
State Historical Museum, MoscowCheck out how much joy people got from sledding on those beautiful sleds! Of course, sitting on them must have required some skill.
State Historical Museum, MoscowAs time went on, carriages and vehicles became more complex and elegant-looking.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
There were all sorts of scale models on display, showing just how big and impressive some of these vehicles were.
State Historical Museum, Moscow State Historical Museum, Moscow
It's amazing to see how fashion changed over time.
Looking at the simple peasant clothing from centuries ago, I realized that many modern designs can't hold a candle to the elegance of the past.
State Historical Museum, MoscowOf course, the clothing was very different for peasants and wealthy citizens.
State Historical Museum, MoscowState Historical Museum, Moscow
But people still tried to look their best and decorate themselves in any way they could.
State Historical Museum, MoscowState Historical Museum, Moscow
State Historical Museum, Moscow
🪑 Furniture.It's clear that this wasn't just a place for storage or relaxation, but also for aesthetic enjoyment.
State Historical Museum, MoscowI think modern sofas and chairs are a huge improvement. (I might be wrong, since I didn't sit on the museum exhibits...)
State Historical Museum, MoscowBut I would have loved to work at those tables and secretaries....But now, buying something like this would be a stretch, even for a simple reproduction...
State Historical Museum, MoscowState Historical Museum, MoscowIt's clear that not even simple people could afford something like this back then.
☕ But now, almost anyone can afford beautiful dinnerware, not just those wooden bowls (even if it's not fine china, it's still nice).
State Historical Museum, MoscowAnd all sorts of interior decorations too.
State Historical Museum, Moscow
State Historical Museum, Moscow
I've noticed that with the rise of mobility, people have started carrying around these portable trunks with all the essentials.
State Historical Museum, MoscowIt's convenient and reliable to have a pre-packed satchel and not have to think about what you'll need on the go.
🤓 If you take a close look at the exhibits, read the descriptions, or even take a guided tour, you can notice some interesting things.
State Historical Museum, MoscowBut, to be honest, if you're trying to take it all in at once, your attention will start to wander.
🙄 The halls dedicated to the revolutionary and Soviet period really got me down. (Sorry to those who enjoy this era!)
This isn't a unique thing about this museum, though. It happens in other places dedicated to this period of history.
State Historical Museum, MoscowThere's no real beauty or individuality to it. Everything's dull and overly simplified. Just a bunch of aggressive propaganda posters and statues of the leader.And, of course, the halls in this period are usually pretty gloomy to begin with.
State Historical Museum, MoscowTechnological advancements were present before the Soviet era, but most of it is displayed here...
State Historical Museum, Moscow
Now, I'll give credit where credit is due - there were a few interesting things here. But, overall, it didn't change my impression.
State Historical Museum, MoscowThe unusual telegraph machine 'Yuza' system is on display here, but it's from the 19th century.
State Historical Museum, MoscowWith all due respect to the achievements of that era, it's always a sense of bleakness, uniformity, and hopelessness. Yeah, the first half of the 20th century wasn't exactly known for its ease and joy.
The State Historical Museum, Moscow I was really impressed by the unique exhibits on display. The way they're presented is definitely eye-catching.
The State Historical Museum, Moscow And how about this embroidered kosovorotka - a gift from the workers to Lenin?
From what I saw, they were trying to make it interesting, but most of the exhibits seemed to be more for the leaders and higher-ups.
The State Historical Museum, Moscow To be honest, from the 20th-century exhibits, I didn't find much that aesthetically pleased me...
Unfortunately, when you first walk in, there's a lot that catches your eye, but it's hard to focus on anything specific.
During our visit, there was an exhibit called "The Golden Treasury of the Historical Museum"
The State Historical Museum, Moscow That's where the real beauty lies. It's an amazing, interesting exhibit.
The State Historical Museum, Moscow There are tons of items, from dishes to interior decor and awards...
The State Historical Museum, Moscow to sculptures and icons.
The State Historical Museum, Moscow The State Historical Museum, Moscow I really enjoyed the museum, but you need a lot of time to see everything. It's better to break up your visit into several days or focus on a specific era so you can take your time and appreciate everything without rushing. As a local, I feel lucky to have this opportunity. However, for tourists, it's hard to see everything in one go, especially when you only have a short time in the city. We tried to take it all in during our visit, but we also managed to fit in a trip to St. Basil's Cathedral on the same day.
Thanks for reading my review! If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing museum, don't hesitate - it's definitely worth it!
It's worth checking out my other reviews, not just in the capital, but in other places too here.
Feel free to come visit me in my profile!
