Pushkin State Museum Of Fine Arts

Art
Cultural
History

Pushkin State Museum Of Fine Arts

reading-time 5 minutes readPublished on 12-11-2024

The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, located in Moscow, is one of Russia's biggest and most important museums. It features a large collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the world, with pieces ranging from ancient times to the modern era. The museum is globally recognized for its diverse collection which includes various forms of art such as paintings, sculptures, graphics, crafts, archaeological discoveries, and coin collections. Besides showcasing art, the museum also focuses on education and research, making it a major hub for both learning and appreciating art.

Tickets & tours

A selection of the best tours to experience the Pushkin State Museum Of Fine Arts with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.

A short history

The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow stands as one of the most significant art museums in Russia. Its establishment dates back to 1775 when Catherine the Great wished to introduce European culture to Russia. It officially opened its doors to the public in 1912, after many years of planning dating back to Tsar Nicholas I's reign. The museum initially presented replicas of ancient sculptures for educational purposes.

The museum bears the name of Tsar Alexander I, known for his appreciation for European art. In its beginning stages, the museum displayed replicas of ancient sculptures and Renaissance era paintings. But as time passed, the museum broadened its collection to encompass medieval art and pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, over 700,000 items - including paintings, sculptures, works of graphic art, and archaeological finds - fill its space.

The museum experienced significant changes during the Soviet period. Numerous original artworks found a new home in this museum, brought in from other museums and private collections. In the aftermath of World War II, the museum received a number of pieces from German museums. Some of these pieces, like Priam's Treasure uncovered by German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann, caused disputes regarding their rightful ownership. However, they remain in the possession of the Pushkin Museum.

At present, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is renowned worldwide for its broad collection of art from different regions. The museum continues to be a hub for education and culture in Russia, offering various exhibitions and art programs while also conducting scientific research. Cooperating with other art institutions around the globe on a number of projects, the museum plays a significant part in advancing art on an international scale.

One reason to visit

Priams Treasure Collection is a reason you may want to visit the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. The items in this collection were found by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1800s. This set has worthwhile items such as gold ornaments, pottery and weapons, all thought to be from the ancient city of Troy. The collection carries historical weight and is valuable because it gives an idea of the art, culture and daily life of people from that time. By visiting, you can see these uncommon objects in real life and learn more about their history. This can help you better understand civilizations from the past and make your visit worthwhile.

Getting there

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To reach the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, start from the Red Square. Walk west on Red Square towards Vasilevsky Spusk and then turn right onto Vasilevsky Spusk. Turn left onto Kremlevskaya Embankment and continue onto Raushskaya Embankment. Then, turn right onto Bolotnaya Square and continue onto Prechistenskaya Embankment. Finally, turn right onto Volkhonka Street to find the museum on your right. Make sure to stay aware of traffic and cross roads at designated crossings.

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Start from the Red Square and head west on Mokhovaya Street. Ride for about 2 kilometers, and then turn left onto Volkhonka Street. Continue on this street for about half a kilometer, and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts will be on your right side. Should you find any difficulty, you can use the map for further direction. Make sure to obey all traffic rules and park your bike at the designated areas. The museum is open from 11 AM to 8 PM, except on Mondays. To avoid the traffic, it is recommended to ride your bike during off-peak hours. Remember to take all safety precautions while riding your bike in the city.

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To get to the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow by public transport, you have multiple options. You can either take the subway or the bus. If you prefer the subway, take the line 3 (blue line) and get off at the Kropotkinskaya station. The museum is within 5 minutes walk from the station. If you choose to take the bus instead, you can get on bus number 360, bus number 31 or bus number B. Alight at the 'Plyushchikha Street' bus stop. From there, the museum is approximately 500 meters away.

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Whether you are coming from the city center or from outside of Moscow, navigating your way to the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts should be manageable. If you are coming from the city center, drive in the direction of the Kremlin on Mokhovaya Street. From there, turn right on to Volhonka Street, where the museum is located, just 2 kilometers from the Kremlin. If you are coming from outside of Moscow, a good starting point would be the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD). From there, head in the direction of the city center until you reach Kutuzovsky Avenue. Drive straight ahead for about 11 kilometers and then turn left onto the Garden Ring Road (Sadovoe Koltso). Continue along this road for 3 kilometers, and then turn right onto Volkhonka Street. Please keep in mind that there might be a lot of traffic, so plan your trip accordingly.