MUSEUM OF MOSCOW HISTORY
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Address:
Novaya Sq., 12 |
The Museum of Moscow History that is one of the oldest
Museums of the city was established on the initiative of Russian scientific
community in 1896. The basis of the new Museum collection was formed
with the exhibits of the pavilion "Moscow" at the All-Russian
Artistic and Industrial exhibition, which was held in Nizhny Novgorod
in 1896. With time the Museum acquired a great number of articles depicting
life in the city throughout its history, from Moscow's ancient beginnings
to the present day. Among them there were various maps, drawings, photos,
documents, sculptural models of city buildings and districts as well
as everyday objects. The Museum's exhibition was housed in one of the
Krestovsky Towers.
In the course of the 20th century the Museum happened
to change its name and location more than once. Thus, since 1921 it
was called Moscow Municipal Museum and was located in newly restored
Sukhareva Tower that dates back to the 17th century. In the middle of
the 1930s the General Plan of the Reconstruction of Moscow was issued
and consequently the Museum moved into the building of the Church of
John the Theologian "under the Elm", were it is located now.
The Museum got its present name in 1987.
The Museum's rich collection of the archeological
finds, ancient tools, jewelry, bronze and stone items tells about the
most ancient period of Moscow history. The collection of maps and drafts
shows how the city of Moscow changed from year to year. Numerous photos
recreate the important occasions, celebrations and everyday life of
Moscow since the middle of the 19th century. They show how the Muscovites
lived, what they wore and how they spent free time. One of the richest
Museum's funds is the documentary fund that features all kinds of documents
- from notary's certificate to the menu for the ceremonial dinner in
honor of coronation of Nicholas II and Alexandra Theodorovna that was
hold in 1896.
The exhibition devoted to family and everyday life
of the Muscovites is especially popular with the visitors. There original
costumes, accessories, furniture and other everyday objects produced
by talented Russian and European masters are exhibited.
