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GUM in Moscow: Architecture, Shopping, and Visiting

GUM is the legendary department store located in the heart of Moscow, on Red Square. GUM is short for State Department Store. GUM is not unique to Moscow; department stores of this kind can be found in almost all regional centers and major cities in Russia. But none of them—apart from Moscow’s GUM—can amaze you with such splendor, architectural beauty, and a rich selection of international brands. So if you’re going shopping in Moscow, make GUM your first stop.


GUM in Moscow was established in the 19th century, to be precise, in 1893. That was the year construction was completed on the building on Red Square, then known as “Verkhniye Torgovye Ryady,” meaning Upper Trading Rows. After the Revolution, the Soviet authorities began changing old tsarist names. The early 1920s became the “age of abbreviations,” giving rise to numerous long, hard-to-pronounce acronyms, such as VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy) and OSOAVIAKHIM (Society for the Promotion of Defense, Aviation, and Chemical Construction). Compared with these, the simple abbreviation GUM stood out for its simplicity and quickly became not just a three-letter word, but one of the most famous brands in the USSR.


Older descriptions called GUM a major retail center. Thanks to its excellent location right in the city center, GUM is popular with both Muscovites and tourists. Older descriptions cite visitor numbers that are specific to their time. It is impossible to give a general account of the goods available in the department store. Suffice it to say that older sales figures are also tied to their time.


Older travel guides presented the department store as a collection of many brands. The spacious galleries of this enormous department store are home to boutiques representing many of the world’s best-known brands, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Kenzo, and others.


Shopping at GUM can be expensive, depending on the store and its selection. The Oggi store (second floor, second line) may be the only boutique for women looking to buy relatively affordable, high-quality clothing.


All in all, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through GUM and admire the department store’s interior without buying anything. You can also treat yourself to a good coffee at one of the cafés with a lovely view of Red Square.

Quick facts: GUM department store in Moscow

  • GUM stands for the former Upper Trading Rows department store on Red Square.
  • The building was completed as a shopping arcade at the end of the 19th century.
  • Its architecture, interior arcades, shops, and dining options appeal to visitors with a range of interests.
  • The selection, prices, brands, entry requirements, and opening hours may change.
  • GUM can be combined with a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin, but allow time for walking and security checks.
  • Check current entry, security, and transport conditions before traveling to Moscow.

GUM: architecture and shopping

GUM is not just a place to shop, but also a striking historic building on Red Square. It makes a good stop on a city walk if you’re interested in architecture, interior spaces, and taking a break at a central café. Bear in mind that the selection, prices, and availability depend on each individual retailer.

Check the latest opening hours and visitor information before your visit. If you don’t plan to shop, you can focus on the architecture and a short break; if you have specific shopping in mind, allow more time and set a budget. Together with the Kremlin and Red Square, GUM makes for a walkable tour of the city center, though one that can take some time.

Department store, architecture, and Red Square

GUM on Red Square is both a historic department store and a central city landmark. Its arcades, glass roofs, and façades are worth seeing even if you don’t plan to shop. If you have specific stores in mind, separate your architectural stroll from your shopping and allow plenty of time for both.

The name GUM comes from the former Upper Trading Rows; the building was completed in 1893. Older travel accounts mention brands, sales, visitor numbers, and offerings that reflect their time. Check the selection, prices, payment systems, entry requirements, and current opening hours directly with GUM before your visit.

For a walk around the city center, Moscow, the Kremlin, Red Square, and shopping in Moscow fit naturally together. Markets, cafés, and everyday food offers more ideas for a break; choose the order according to walking distances, crowds, and fixed entry times.

Before traveling, check getting there and transport, travel preparations, staying safe while traveling, the security situation, and your return journey. The Federal Foreign Office’s country information is the authoritative source for current conditions. A short visit may be more practical than a packed shopping itinerary if walking, security checks, or waiting times take longer than expected.

FAQ about GUM in Moscow

What is GUM?

GUM is a historic department store on Red Square in Moscow. Its architecture, arcades, shops, and dining options are all part of the visit.

Can you visit GUM without shopping?

Yes. Its interior architecture and central location make the building an interesting stop even on a short city walk.

Are old opening hours and prices still valid?

No. Check current opening hours, selection, prices, and entry requirements for your visit.

Which sights can be visited together?

Red Square, the Kremlin, and other central Moscow sights can be combined, provided you realistically allow for walking distances, security checks, and extra time.