Russia, known for its iconic art and architecture, is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. From St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums globally, to Moscow’s State Tretyakov Gallery, there is no shortage of excellent museums to explore in Russia.
Moscow Russia – on April 6, 2016. People visit the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. The gallery is the largest repository of Russian art in the world.
If you’re looking to explore Russia’s culture and history, here are some of the country’s top museums you must visit during your trip.
- The Tchaikovsky House
Located in Klindyukovsky Pereulok, the very heart of Moscow, the house is a memorial museum dedicated to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The composer resided here in 1865-1866 when he was studying at the Jurisprudence Department of Moscow University while simultaneously taking private lessons from Anton Rubinstein.
He completed his First String Quartet and wrote some songs in this apartment. In 1901, after his death, the building became public property. Three years later, on April 25, 1904, it was turned into a museum, thus becoming one of Russia’s earliest museums devoted to composers.
Today you can see all the original furniture from that period. Also on display is a rich collection of personal belongings and letters from Tchaikovsky and photos, manuscripts, and other exhibits related to his creative work.
The museum offers fascinating guided tours in Russian that last around an hour. You can find out more here on everything you need to know about visiting this museum. If you plan on adding this museum to your list of places to visit in Moscow, book your visit early, as tickets can sell out quickly!
- The Russian Museum
Your trip to Russia will not be complete without visiting The Russian Museum. This museum is located in St. Petersburg and houses one of the world’s largest collections of Russian art. It features paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts from all periods of Russian history.
You’ll find works by famous Russian artists like Ivan Aivazovsky, Valentin Serov, and Marc Chagall here. The museum also has a wide collection of Fabergé eggs on display.
The Russian Museum is one of the top museums you must visit in Russia.
- The Hermitage Museum
There are many ways to enjoy your free time. Whether you want to catch up with the latest Spiderman and other superhero movies, a visit to the museum could also be a perfect way to spend your time. A museum is an excellent place for learning new things and entertainment.
The Hermitage Museum is one of the best museums in Russia. It was established in 1764 as a public museum and has been popular. The museum houses over three million objects, including paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts worldwide.
The collection includes work by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Raphael, among others. You can find both western arts displayed at the General Staff Building on Palace Square, or you could also explore fascinating Russian art at the Winter Palace or Small Hermitage. If you want to visit an exhibition that focuses on ancient Egyptian civilization, then do not fail to check out Mikhailovsky Palace’s Michael Collection, as it is definitely worth your time!
This place is not just about art. There are also other things like jewelry on display for you to see and explore.
- The Pulkovo Observatory
Another museum that is worth a visit when in Russia is the Pulkovo Observatory. It was founded by Emperor Nicholas I in 1839 and has been responsible for countless discoveries over the years. The observatory is located on a hilltop overlooking Saint Petersburg and offers some genuinely stunning cityscape views.
The museum inside houses many fascinating exhibits, including an extensive collection of meteorites and models of planets and stars. Several interactive displays allow visitors to explore different aspects of astronomy. The knowledgeable staff offer guided tours, which are highly recommended to get the most out of your visit.
If you’re interested in science or astronomy, then the Pulkovo Observatory should be at the top of your list of museums to visit in Russia. It offers a unique insight into the history and development of Russian astronomy and some breathtaking views of Saint Petersburg.
- The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
When planning your trip to Moscow, be sure to include a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in your itinerary. Here, you will find the largest collections for Russian and international art, with works by masters such as Rodin and Picasso.
The museum houses more than 700,000 exhibits and an invaluable collection of Egyptian antiquities. In 2006, a large-scale reconstruction was completed at the expense of private donors: it is now possible to admire masterpieces worldwide and get acquainted with modern Russian art. In particular, paintings by Kandinsky and Malevich are on display here.
Final Word
Mentioned above are the most famous museums in Russia. If you are a history buff, art enthusiast, or like to explore and learn about new places, this is for you!
