Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow: Russian Art and Collections
Alongside the Hermitage, Moscow’s and indeed all of Russia’s most famous museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, is regarded as one of the principal treasure houses of masterpieces of Russian art. The idea of opening an art gallery belonged to the outstanding Russian patron Pavel Tretyakov. It was his own collection that formed the basis of the museum’s exhibition. The gallery was founded in 1856, when Pavel Tretyakov, inspired by a visit to the Hermitage, decided to collect paintings. One of the first masterpieces he purchased was Khudyakov’s painting “Tsarist Border Guards Catch Finnish Smugglers.”
A visit to the gallery offers a sense of how Russian art developed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Masterpieces by famous representatives of classical painting, such as Kuindzhi, Bryullov, Shishkin, Levitan, Vrubel and others, are among the Tretyakov Gallery’s treasures. In addition to traditional paintings, the gallery also features an ancient Russian art form: icon painting. The gallery exhibits icons by Andrei Rublev, the greatest Russian icon painter, who was also recognized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Following a nine-year restoration completed in 1995, the Tretyakov Gallery became a large museum complex, bringing together the gallery buildings on Krymsky Val, the house museums of Vasnetsov, Knorin, Goncharova and Larionov, the sculptor Golubkina’s studio, the Vasnetsov apartment museum, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.
The Tretyakov Gallery frequently hosts exhibitions and openings devoted to Russian art and Russian artists. It is not unusual for paintings from the Soviet underground and 20th-century wooden sculptures to be on display in adjoining rooms at the same time. The Tretyakov Gallery is a democratic museum. Despite its classical focus, it avoids following dogma. Today, its main criterion is good taste.
Address of the Tretyakov Gallery:
10 Lavrushinsky Lane, Moscow
Metro stations: Tretyakovskaya or Polyanka
Museum hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–19:30
Ticket office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–18:30
Admission: approximately €6
Student admission: approximately €3–4
Quick facts: Tretyakov Gallery
- The Tretyakov Gallery began with the collection of patron Pavel Tretyakov.
- Its collection spans Russian art, including icons, portraits, landscapes and works from more recent periods.
- The historic main building on Lavrushinsky Lane and the other locations each have their own focus.
- Special exhibitions, open buildings and admission rules may change.
- A gallery visit takes time for getting around, using the cloakroom, entry procedures and viewing the artworks attentively.
- Check Moscow transport, current travel conditions and the return journey to your accommodation before your visit.
Choosing a Tretyakov Gallery visit to suit your interests
The Tretyakov Gallery is particularly appealing to visitors who want to explore Russian art, from historical paintings to modern collections. Before visiting, check which buildings are currently open, along with special exhibitions and access rules. This will help you decide whether a brief overview is enough or whether to set aside several hours for particular periods and artists.
Opening hours, admission prices and exhibition spaces can change, so check with the gallery. For a relaxed visit, it is a good idea not to schedule too many other activities on the same day. Red Square and the Kremlin are part of the same central museum district, but each requires its own time for security checks and getting around.
Plan your day around the collection
The collection you choose to see at the Tretyakov Gallery determines how much time you will need. A visit can make for a relaxed afternoon at the museum; trying to fit several central attractions into the same day can quickly make the schedule feel rushed. Allow time for the metro or walk, the cloakroom and any entry checks. The gallery’s latest visitor information will help you decide on the best order for the day.
Choose Russian art by location and interest
The Tretyakov Gallery grew out of Pavel Tretyakov’s collection and is one of the leading institutions for Russian art. The official Tretyakov Gallery website is the authoritative source for locations, exhibitions, opening hours and tickets. Icons, landscape painting, portraits and modern art each offer a distinct experience rather than being reduced to a single impression of the collection.
Before your visit, decide which location and exhibition best suit your interests. The historic building on Lavrushinsky Lane, the other sites and any special exhibitions may require different routes and time slots. Moscow and Moscow’s museum scene can help you plan your day.
A relaxed day at the gallery can be combined with Red Square, the Kremlin or a walk, as long as the routes are realistic. The Lenin Mausoleum and other indoor attractions should not automatically be added to the itinerary, as they have their own checks and opening hours.
Before travelling, check getting around and transport, Moscow’s railway stations, travel preparations, money and payments and the latest travel and safety advice. Do not rely on old addresses, prices or opening hours as current information.
FAQ about the Tretyakov Gallery
What is the Tretyakov Gallery known for?
It is associated with Pavel Tretyakov’s collection and important examples of Russian art, including icons, portraits, landscapes and works from more recent periods.
Which location should you visit?
That depends on the collection, special exhibitions, opening arrangements and current ticket options. Compare the locations on the official website before your visit.
How much time should you allow for a visit?
Set aside a dedicated block of time for the cloakroom, entry, getting around and viewing the artworks attentively. Visiting several museums in one day can make your schedule unnecessarily crowded.
Can you combine the gallery with a visit to Red Square?
Yes, if you have enough time. The distance, transport, security checks, opening hours and return journey will determine the best order.