Empire Treasures In Moscow
| The treasures of the Russian Empire are commonly known since it was one of the greatest empires existing. In spite of all historical collapses, the Russian State managed to preserve its cultural and spiritual heritage. You will be lucky enough to see with your own eyes the riches of the Russian Tsars and Emperors exhibited in the most famous Moscow museums. |
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| The Armory Chamber |
| This is the oldest museum in Russia, set up in 1511 by the Grand Prince Vassily III. At that time it was a court workshop for the production and repair of armaments and a storehouse of ceremonial armors. In 1806, it was designated as a private court museum, but the decision did not take effect until 1812, when the treasures were evacuated to protect them from Napoleon’s approaching troops. The present building dates back to the 1850s and contains the unique collection of old arms, decorated weapons and suits of armor, coronations paraphernalia, church utensils, jewelry, rare textiles, costumes and other valuables. There are more than 4,000 items presented in nine halls on two floors. Objects of applied art from Russia, Western Europe and Asia, dating from the 4th to the early 20th centuries, including a very famous Faberge Collection, are displayed in the building. Many artifacts in the Armory collection are ambassadorial gifts to Russian Tars from England, Holland, Sweden and France, presented at the special ceremonies that were held in the Palace of Facets in the Kremlin. In the Armory Chamber you can also listen to classical music concerts with cocktails (max. 150 persons) |
| The Diamond Fund |
| This is a gem collection housed in the building of the Armory. On display are the most precious items of the treasury: unique diamonds, antique jewelry, one of the world’s biggest gold nuggets – the so called “Triangle,” weighing 3.6 kg – as well as world-famous emeralds and sapphires and the crown of Catherine the Great, adorned with more than 5,000 diamonds. You can also admire the Orlov diamond, almost 190 carats, named after Catherine the Great’s lover, Prince Grigory Orlov. |
| The Grand Kremlin Palace |
| Built in the first half of the 19th century in neo-Byzantine style by Ton, the favorite architect of Nicholas I, the Palace was the Tsars’ Residence in Moscow. Its interiors are lavishly furnished and there are four great halls named after the four senior Russian military orders. In the 1930s Stalin had two of them remodeled to provide an assembly hall for the 17th Communist Party Congress. These two halls – Alexander’s Hall and Throne Hall - were recently fully restored according to the original design of the 19th century. Two formal halls remain: the impressive St. George Hall, which serves as a lobby for delegates, and the St. Vladimir Hall, where treaties are signed. In the communist time the Palace served for the Soviet Supreme Sessions – the country’s highest legislative body. Nowadays official eminent delegations’ receptions usually take place there. Visits to Grand Kremlin Palace and Palace of Facets are possible by special request in groups of max. 20 persons, max. 2-3 groups a day. |
| Patriarch’s Palace |
| It stands on the north side of Cathedral Square in the Kremlin and was constructed in 1656 for the ambitious Patriarch Nikon. Today it houses the Museum of Applied Art and Lifestyle of the 17th century. The main part of the Palace, the Cross Chamber (280 sq. m.), with the typically thick medieval walls (2.35 m.) and vaulted ceiling, can be used for cocktails/buffets and private concerts of Russian spiritual music for max. 120 persons. |
| The Romanovs’ Chambers in Zaryadie |
| The legend says the Romanovs’ Chambers in Zaryadie, close to Red Square, were the birthplace of the first Romanov – Michail Fiodorovitch. In 1859 by the order of Alexander II one of the first memorial museums in Russia was established there. At the moment this museum displays furniture, clothing and utensils, and shows the daily life of boyars (medieval Russian noblemen in the service of the Tsar), because this was the residence of the first Romanov Tsar’s parents, who were boyars. |
