The State Tretyakov Gallery
Central Federal District Region
The State Tretyakov Gallery, located in Moscow, Russia, is the foremost repository of Russian fine art worldwide. Founded in 1856 by merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, it began as a private collection intended to showcase national art. Tretyakov gifted his collection of about 2,000 works to the Russian nation in 1892, officially opening the museum in 1893. The gallery building, south of the Kremlin, features a distinctive fairy-tale façade designed by Viktor Vasnetsov and constructed between 1902 and 1904. Over the 20th century, the gallery expanded to include neighboring buildings such as the 17th-century Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi. Its vast collection spans over 130,000 items, from medieval icons like the Theotokos of Vladimir to avant-garde works such as Kandinsky's Composition VII and Malevich's Black Square. The gallery also preserves parts of the notable George Costakis collection. Beyond its main site, the State Tretyakov Gallery administers contemporary art spaces and satellite galleries across Russia. It remains a cultural landmark, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and hosting prestigious events like the 2012 FIDE World Chess Championship.
Plan your trip to Russia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays or early hours to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and access to special exhibitions. The gallery offers concessions for students and seniors. Check the official website for current opening hours and any temporary closures or special events.
Interesting facts
- •The gallery's façade was designed by artist Viktor Vasnetsov in a unique Russian fairy-tale style.
- •It houses over 130,000 exhibits, including the famous Theotokos of Vladimir icon and avant-garde masterpieces like Kandinsky's Composition VII and Malevich's Black Square.
- •In 2012, the gallery hosted the FIDE World Chess Championship, blending art and chess culture.
- •The gallery refused to hand over Andrei Rublev's Trinity icon to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2023, despite presidential orders.
- •It was the 13th most visited art museum worldwide in 2020, despite pandemic-related visitor declines.
History
The gallery's origins trace back to 1856 when Pavel Tretyakov began collecting Russian art, aiming to create a national museum.
By 1892, he donated his extensive collection to Moscow, leading to the official opening of the Moscow City Gallery of Pavel and Sergei Tretyakov in 1893.
The iconic gallery building with its fairy-tale façade was constructed between 1902 and 1904, designed by Viktor Vasnetsov and architect A.
M.
Kalmykov.
In 1918, the gallery became state-owned, renamed the State Tretyakov Gallery, with Igor Grabar appointed director.
Throughout the 20th century, the gallery expanded by acquiring neighboring buildings and collections, solidifying its status as Russia's premier art institution.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Halls
The core of the gallery features extensive displays of Russian art from medieval icons to 19th and 20th-century masterpieces, including works by renowned artists such as Ilya Repin and Kazimir Malevich.
Viktor Vasnetsov Façade1902-1904
The gallery's façade is a distinctive architectural landmark designed in a Russian fairy-tale style by Viktor Vasnetsov and architect A. M. Kalmykov, constructed between 1902 and 1904.
Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi17th century
A 17th-century church integrated into the gallery complex, housing religious icons and providing a historic atmosphere within the museum setting.
Contact
Phone: 8 (495) 957-07-27