Institute Of Scientific Information On Social Sciences

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences (INION) in Moscow is a cornerstone of Russian academic life and a globally recognized center for research, library science, and the social sciences. Founded in 1918, INION quickly became the largest repository of social science literature in Russia, amassing millions of works from around the world. Its role in preserving, centralizing, and disseminating social science knowledge is unmatched in the region, making it a vital destination for researchers, students, and culturally curious travelers.

INION’s history is one of resilience. The institute weathered political change, contributed to the advancement of Soviet and Russian social science, and, most recently, overcame the devastating 2015 fire that destroyed a significant part of its collection. Through ambitious restoration and digitization initiatives, INION has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving knowledge and serving the global academic community.

Today, under the Russian Academy of Sciences, INION offers a blend of historical archives, modern digital resources, and dynamic public programming. This guide covers everything you need to know for your visit—including practical details, historical context, visitor tips, accessibility, and how to make the most of your time at this remarkable institution.

For the latest visitor information, restoration updates, and digital resources, visit the official INION website and check their social media channels. This guide is designed to help you plan and enrich your experience at one of Moscow’s premier cultural and research landmarks (INION Institute in Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, Nearby Attractions & Visitor Guide).

Introduction
About INION: History & Cultural Significance
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Getting There
Accessibility & Visitor Tips
What to See and Do
Facilities & Visitor Amenities
The 2015 Fire and Recovery
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media
Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected
References

About INION: History & Cultural Significance

Established in the wake of the Russian Revolution, INION was designed to centralize and democratize access to social science literature. Over subsequent decades, it grew into a world-class institution, integrating into the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in 1936 and expanding its reach throughout the Soviet era.

INION’s collections include rare manuscripts, periodicals, and documents from Russia and abroad. The 2015 fire, which destroyed about 15% of its holdings, was a significant blow but also a catalyst for modernization. Today, INION is at the forefront of digitization efforts, ensuring that its collections are accessible to future generations.

INION is not only a research hub but also a cultural landmark, offering exhibitions, academic events, and a rich architectural heritage.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Admission: Entry is generally free. Visitors should register upon arrival; some special exhibitions or events may carry a nominal fee.
Guided Tours: Tours are available with advance booking via the official website.
Accessibility: The institute is wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available for visitors with disabilities.

For the most current visiting hours and booking policies, always check the official INION website.

Getting There

Main Address: 51/21 Nakhimovsky Prospekt, Moscow, 117418

Metro: Nakhimovsky Prospekt (Line 9) and Profsoyuznaya are the nearest stations.
Bus/Tram: Several routes serve the area—check local transit maps.
Parking: Limited parking is available; public transport is recommended.

Note: Due to ongoing reconstruction, some INION services are offered at temporary locations. Confirm the relevant address for your purpose before visiting.

Accessibility & Visitor Tips

Language: Most materials are in Russian. Some staff speak English; non-Russian speakers may benefit from bringing a translator.
Registration: Bring a valid ID; a letter of introduction from your institution is recommended for research purposes.
Facilities: Cloakrooms, rest areas, Wi-Fi, and accessible restrooms are available. Some areas may be under restoration—check updates online.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be less busy.

What to See and Do

Library & Collections

INION’s Fundamental Research Library holds millions of volumes: Russian and international books, periodicals, dissertations, and rare archival documents. While the original building is under restoration, many collections can be accessed in temporary facilities.

Guided Tours & Exhibitions

Tours: Learn about INION’s history, architecture, and the story of its collections. Booking in advance is advised.
Exhibitions: The institute regularly hosts exhibitions of rare books, manuscripts, and research projects. These are usually free and open to the public.

Digital Resources

Extensive digital catalogs and online bibliographic databases are accessible on-site and, in some cases, remotely.
INION’s digitization partnerships—such as with elibrary.ru—allow global access to select resources.

Facilities & Visitor Amenities

Reading Rooms: Modern, well-equipped spaces for research and study.
Café: Light refreshments available on-site.
Bookstore: Publications and souvenirs can be purchased.
Wi-Fi: Free internet access throughout the building.

The 2015 Fire and Recovery Efforts

On January 30, 2015, a devastating fire destroyed a significant portion of INION’s collection. The event galvanized national and international efforts to salvage, restore, and digitize what remained. Today, INION is actively reconstructing its historic building and modernizing its facilities to better serve the academic community and public (INION RAN Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Recovery After the 2015 Fire).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring other local sites:

Gorky Park: Moscow’s iconic green space.
Moscow State University: Architectural and academic landmark.
Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills): Scenic city views.
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts: World-class art collections.
Arbat Street: Historic pedestrian thoroughfare.
Museum of Moscow: Local history museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Entry is generally free, but some events or exhibitions may require a ticket or registration.

Q: Who can visit INION?
A: Researchers, students, and the general public are welcome. Some resources require academic affiliation.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by advance booking.

Q: Can I access the library’s digital resources remotely?
A: Many digital collections are available online; some require on-site access or institutional affiliation.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photography is generally permitted in public areas; check with staff for restrictions in reading rooms and exhibitions.

Q: How accessible is the institute?
A: The main and temporary buildings are wheelchair accessible. Contact staff for specific needs.

Visuals and Media

INION’s official website and social media channels feature photo galleries, videos, and virtual tours. These resources showcase the institute’s architecture, exhibitions, and recovery process, providing a rich visual introduction (INION VK page).

Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected

Official Website: www.inion.ru
Contact: [email protected]
Phones: +7 (499) 124-07-74 (Director), +7 (499) 124-37-83 (Secretariat)
Social Media: Follow INION on VK and other platforms for updates.

Tip: Download the Audiala app for guided tours, audio content, and up-to-date visitor information about INION and other Moscow landmarks.

Summary & Final Tips

A visit to the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences (INION) is a journey into Russia’s intellectual heritage and a testament to scholarly resilience. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or cultural tourist, INION’s unique blend of historic collections, digital innovation, and public programming offers an enriching experience.