Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery Moscow: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The State Tretyakov Gallery, located in Moscow’s historic Zamoskvorechye district, is Russia’s premier museum of national fine art. Founded in 1856 by merchant and philanthropist Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, the gallery has grown from a private collection into a vast institution holding over 190,000 works. Its diverse collection spans from medieval icons—such as Andrei Rublev’s revered “Trinity”—to the avant-garde innovations of Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky (Wikipedia; Travel All Russia; Britannica).

More than just a museum, the Tretyakov Gallery is a living chronicle of Russia’s cultural, spiritual, and artistic development. Its fairy-tale façade, designed by Viktor Vasnetsov, and its expansion into the New Tretyakov Gallery for 20th-century and contemporary art, make it an essential stop for visitors seeking to understand Russian heritage (Museum Studies Abroad; RBTH).

This guide provides everything you need to plan your visit: a history of the gallery, a look at collection highlights, practical visiting details, travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Cover of the 1915 Art Works Catalog of Pavel and Sergey Tretyakov City Gallery

Gallery Origins and Historical Milestones
Architectural Evolution
Collection Highlights and Cultural Significance
Practical Visitor Information
Special Events and Virtual Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References and Useful Links

Gallery Origins and Historical Milestones

Founding Vision

Pavel Tretyakov began collecting Russian art in 1856, passionately seeking to establish a museum that would celebrate and preserve the nation’s artistic identity (Wikipedia; Travel All Russia). While many Russian collectors favored Western European works, Tretyakov’s commitment to Russian artists set his collection apart.

Growth and Public Donation

Tretyakov’s collection rapidly expanded, necessitating multiple expansions of his Zamoskvorechye mansion (Visit Russia). In 1892, he donated his entire collection—over 2,000 works—to the city of Moscow, making art accessible to all citizens and declining an offered title of nobility in favor of honorary citizenship (Wikipedia; Travel All Russia).

Key Milestones

1893: Official opening as the Moscow City Gallery of Pavel and Sergei Tretyakov.
Early 20th Century & Soviet Era: Enrichment through private collections and contemporary works, especially after the 1917 Revolution.
World War II: Collection evacuated to Siberia for protection; gallery reopened in 1945 (Wikipedia).
Late 20th Century: Major renovations (1986–1995) and creation of the New Tretyakov Gallery for modern art (RBTH; Museum Studies Abroad).
Present Day: Continues as a dynamic cultural institution, hosting national debates and international events.

Architectural Evolution

The Tretyakov Gallery’s main building features a distinctive fairy-tale façade designed by Viktor Vasnetsov (1900–1904), symbolizing Russian national style (Wikipedia). Over the years, the gallery has expanded into adjacent buildings and now operates multiple branches, including the New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val, which houses 20th-century and contemporary works.

Collection Highlights and Cultural Significance

The gallery’s vast holdings offer a comprehensive overview of Russian art:

Medieval Icons: Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity,” the “Theotokos of Vladimir,” by Theophanes the Greek and Dionysius.
18th & 19th Century Masterpieces: Portraits by Borovikovsky, Kiprensky, and Bryullov; historical canvases by Surikov and Repin.
The Peredvizhniki (Wanderers): Repin’s “Barge Haulers on the Volga,” Surikov’s “The Boyarynya Morozova,” reflecting Russian realism and social commentary (Tretyakov Gallery Magazine; Rus-Art).
Symbolism & Silver Age: Vrubel’s “The Demon Seated,” Vasnetsov’s “Bogatyrs.”
Russian Avant-Garde & Modernism: Malevich’s “Black Square,” Kandinsky’s abstractions, Chagall’s dreamlike scenes (Museum Studies Abroad; Britannica).
Portraits of Cultural Icons: Paintings of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Mussorgsky, and Turgenev.
Sculpture & Decorative Arts: Works by Mark Antokolsky and a collection of icons, jewelry, and ecclesiastical objects.

The gallery’s organization enables visitors to trace the evolution of Russian artistic expression, spirituality, and national consciousness.

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Main Building (Lavrushinsky Lane): Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Thursdays until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays.
New Tretyakov Gallery (Krymsky Val): Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Always confirm hours on the official website before your visit, as they may change for holidays or special events.

Ticket Pricing and Purchase

General Admission: Approx. 500–700 RUB (about $7–$10 USD).
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, and children; children under 16 enter free.
Special Exhibitions: May require separate tickets.
Purchase: Buy online via the official website for the fastest entry and to avoid queues; on-site ticket desks are also available.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access, ramps, and elevators in both main and New Tretyakov galleries.
Wheelchairs available free of charge at the cloakroom.
Audio guides and tactile tours for visually impaired visitors.
Restrooms on every floor and a cloakroom for large bags and umbrellas.

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Guided Tours: Available in several languages; book in advance.
Audio Guides: Rent at the entrance or download via the mobile app.
Photography: Non-flash photography allowed in most areas; restrictions apply to temporary exhibitions.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends and holidays are busiest.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: Lavrushinsky Lane, 10, Moscow, 119017.
Metro: Nearest station is Tretyakovskaya (Lines 6 and 8); New Tretyakov Gallery is near Park Kultury (Line 1).
Nearby Sites: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Gorky Park, Moscow River embankment, Red Square, the Kremlin, and Arbat Street.

Special Events and Virtual Experiences

Temporary Exhibitions: Check the events calendar on the official website for current and upcoming shows.
Virtual Tour: Explore the gallery online via the Virtual Tour.
Educational Programs: Regular lectures, workshops, and family activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Tretyakov Gallery’s opening hours?
A: Main Gallery: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM (Thursdays until 9 PM). New Gallery: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM. Both closed on Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard tickets cost 500–700 RUB, with discounts for eligible groups. Children under 16 enter free.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, purchase at official website for convenience and to avoid queues.

Q: Is the gallery wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, both main and New Tretyakov galleries offer accessible facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; audio guides are also available.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted; restrictions may apply to special exhibitions.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: The gallery is close to many major Moscow historical sites, including Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Conclusion

The State Tretyakov Gallery is a cornerstone of Russian culture and art, offering an immersive experience from medieval religious icons to bold modernist works. With its accessible location, comprehensive visitor amenities, and an unparalleled collection, the gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in Russian history, culture, and creativity.