STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
 |
Address:
Red Square, 1/2 |
The largest historic museum of Russia, the State
Historical Museum, was established in 1872 on the initiative of the
Russian scientific community.
For the construction of the Museum that was to become
the treasury of the monuments and artifacts representing the outstanding
events of the glorious history of the Russian State the ground in the
very center of Moscow in the Red Square was chosen. The construction
works lasted from 1875 till 1881 and were headed by architects Shervud
and Semenov, who designed the building in Russian style. The new building
perfectly fitted the ensemble of the Red Square. The walls of the Historical
Museum like the Kremlin walls were laid from the red baked brick. The
towers crowning the Museum also greatly remind of the Kremlin towers.
And some elements of the Museum's exterior decor recreate the decor
of St Basil Cathedral, which is located just nearby.
The Museum was conceived as a "vivid history
of Russia". Articles and monuments representing the culture and
the history of the multinational Russian State were brought to the new
museum from all the regions of Russia. The collection was remarkably
enriched by private donations. Thanks to the efforts of Russian scientists,
historians and archaeologists more than 4 million exhibits were gathered.
And in 1883 on the day of coronation of Tsar Alexander III first 11
museum halls representing the history of Russia from the days immemorial
to the late 12s century were solemnly opened to the public. 
Today the collection of the Museum that has considerably
enlarged in the course of the 20th century treasures archeological finds,
manuscripts and black-letter books, old Russian icons, Russian and foreign
arming, works of smith craft, jewelry, glass and ceramics, national
clothes, collection of old furniture from the private estates and many
more. Private belongings of Russian monarchs Ivan the Terrible, Peter
the Great and the last members of the Romanov family are especially
popular with the visitors.
The Museum collection of fine arts that numbers over
500,000 items is quite impressive. It includes portraits of outstanding
Russian and foreign politicians, landscapes of different regions of
Russia, water-colors, drawings and lithographs. It is noteworthy that
the Museum features not only the works of the celebrated masters but
also paintings by unknown talented artists.
The permanent exhibition is designed so that each
of the halls is devoted to certain period of history. The rich interior
decor corresponds with the time and style of the exhibits placed there.
Frescos, moldings, carvings and other decorations create the unique
atmosphere of the past.
