The State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow is one of the hallmarks of the Russian capital. This is a place where many tourists aspire to go, wanting to see all the exhibits and take pictures against the backdrop of the building itself.
Construction history
Despite the great popularity among the museums of the capital of Russia, by historical standards, the museum on Red Square in Moscow is considered quite young. But thanks to its location and the unique collection stored in it, it has become one of the most visited in the capital of Russia.
The idea to create the Historical Museum appeared in 1872. The initiator of its implementation and construction of the building was Emperor Alexander II, who wished to perpetuate the memory of the Crimean War. That is why the first exhibits of the museum were war trophies. Previously, the building housed the Zemsky Prikaz (Ministry of Regional Development). The project itself was developed by engineer A. A. Semenov and artist V. O. Sherwood, and later A. Popov. The main condition for the construction of the building was that the building was built in the style that has developed in the architecture of Red Square.
Its construction took almost 6 years - from 1875 to 1881. Then it took 2 years to search for exhibits and interior design, in which such famous painters as I. K. Aivazovsky, V. M. Vasnetsov participated, later I. E. Repin and V. A. Serov joined them. From all over the country, the best anthropological and archaeological collections, as well as libraries, were brought here. The opening date is May 27, 1883.
Development of the Historical Museum after the Revolution
After the October Revolution, there was a serious threat of looting of collections, but the People's Commissariat took all the exhibits under protection. The Soviet era became a difficult period in the history of this institution: the most beautiful sculptures of lions, unicorns, and double-headed eagles (royal symbols) that adorned the facade of the museum were dismantled.
From 1922 to 1934 the institution was replenished with several collections: items from St. Basil's Cathedral, the Novodevichy Convent and the Kolomenskoye Museum-Estate were added. The chambers of the Romanov boyars also became exhibits.
In 1944, the State Historical Museum on Red Square received the title of the main center of all Russian historical and local history institutions of this type.
Fate in 1990-2000
The beginning of the modern history of this institution was marked by a large reconstruction,because of which from 1986 to 1997. the visit was terminated. But thanks to this, at the moment we can see the museum as it was conceived at the very beginning.
In addition to the external restoration, the interior of that time was also restored, but at the same time, the exhibit storage system was modernized, and an elevator for the disabled was installed. In addition, visitors can see on screens and monitors all the exhibits that are not currently presented live.
Inside the State Historical Museum on Red Square looks like an imperial palace. Its area is four thousand square meters. The main entrance is a grandiose family tree, striking in its grandeur, on which there are images of 68 royal persons.
In total, 39 halls are presented to the public, which will show the entire history of Russia from ancient times to the present day. On the first floor there is everything related to pre-Petrine times, on the second - an exposition dedicated to Russia after the autocrat "cut a window to Europe." The third floor is dedicated to the times from the era of the reign of Peter I to Alexander III, while the fourth is reserved for various temporary exhibitions.
In addition, scientific conferences, lectures, concerts, as well as real balls are often held here, documentaries and historical films are shown.
In 1996, the collection of the State Historical Museum consisted of 4,373 thousand exhibits and more than 15 million historical documents, and since then it hasexpanded many times. Today, among the most famous exhibits are “Izbornik Svyatoslav”, “Apostle”, an eight-meter boat carved with axes back in the prehistoric period, a walrus tusk with a letter, the icon “Our Lady of Kazan”, the saber of Emperor Bonaparte, armor that has survived to this day from the time of Alexander Nevsky and much more, including personal belongings of famous and legendary tsars, military and public figures (Peter I, Nicholas II and V. I. Lenin).
Lenin Mausoleum
The Lenin Museum in Moscow on Red Square is another very popular and beloved tourist attraction in Russia. The mummy of V. I. Lenin is still kept there. It has been located next to the southern wall under the Senate Tower since 1930. The first Mausoleum was temporary. It was built 6 days after the death of Vladimir Ilyich - on January 27, 1924, and already in August a new one was erected under the leadership of A. V. Shchusev. After 6 years, according to the project of the same architect, a stone tomb was erected, which has survived to this day.
The guest stands of the Lenin Mausoleum were built in 1930, and the central ones - in 1938. In June 1941, the body was temporarily transferred to Tyumen, where it was kept until the end of the war.
From 1953 to 1961, the body of I. V. Stalin was also in the Moscow crypt, then the monument was officially called the “Mausoleum of V. I. Lenin and I. V. Stalin.”
In 1983-1984 it was slightly changed, but the appearance remained almost the same.
The Lenin Museum in Moscow on Red Square is the second attraction after the Kremlin. Last itrestoration with strengthening of the foundation was carried out in 2013.
Foundation of the Museum of the Revolution
The Museum of the Revolution is located on Tverskaya Street, 21. Its exposition reflects all the events that have taken place in the Russian Federation over the past 150 years: the abolition of serfdom, the revolution, the process of collectivization, the Great Patriotic War, the first flight of the Soviet cosmonaut Y. Gagarin and much more other.
Until 1917, the English Club was located in this building, and then the Museum of the Revolution was organized in a chic mansion. In Moscow, on Red Square in October-November, the decisive events of the October Revolution took place: shelling of the junkers who had entrenched themselves in the Kremlin by the revolutionary forces. Barricades were erected on all nearby streets, as a result of the fighting, 240 people were buried in mass graves near the Kremlin wall. One of the expositions of the Museum is dedicated to the events of these days.
Expositions of the Museum of Modern History of Russia
In 1998, the Museum of the Revolution was reorganized into the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia. All modern expositions are separated by time: the first one begins the story of the period of Russian autocracy and serfdom, and also talks about the peasant reform and modifications in the military and judicial systems, in local governments.
The visitors are especially interested in the hall, which houses the collection from the times of the USSR (from the Civil War to the times of Perestroika). These are both posters and combatawards, weapons and banners.
In a few years, the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia turns 100 years old. During this time, more than 1.3 million exhibits have been collected here. All of them are located on three floors, there is also a lecture hall and a buffet. Among the exhibits, you can easily find the personal belongings of many politicians (Stalin and others).
Museums on Red Square
Tourists have only 3 hours to visit the Lenin Mausoleum: this time is from 10.00 to 13.00 on all weekdays and holidays.
The Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow is open from Monday to Thursday - from 10.00 to 18.00; on Friday and Saturday - from 10.00 to 21.00; Sunday - from 10.00 to 18.00.
The Museum of the Revolution can be accessed on all days of the week, except Thursday, from 11.00 to 19.00; Thursday - from 12.00 to 21.00.
Ticket prices
One of the most popular places in Moscow is Red Square. Museums with a huge variety of ticket prices (sometimes even free) are a must-see for all people interested in the history of the Russian state.
Ticket price to the Museum of the Revolution: 250 rubles. - a whole ticket and 100 rubles. – for Russian students and pensioners.
Entrance to the Lenin Mausoleum is free.
The Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow has the following ticket prices: 350 rubles. - adults, 100 rubles. – for students and pensioners.
