The State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow is one of the visiting cards of the Russian capital. This is a place where many tourists strive to get, wanting to see all the exhibits and take pictures on the background 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 due 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 a Historical Museum appeared in 1872. The initiator of its embodiment 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 military trophies. Earlier in the building was Zemsky order (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 structure 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 2 years were spent on the search for exhibits and interior design, in which such famous painters as I.K. Aivazovsky, V.M. Vasnetsov participated, later they joined I. E. Repin and V. A. Serov. The best anthropological and archaeological collections, as well as libraries, were brought here from all over the country. The opening date is May 27, 1883 .
The development of the Historical Museum after the revolution
After the October Revolution, there was a serious threat of looting collections, but the People’s Commissariat took over all the exhibits. The Soviet era was a difficult period in the history of this institution: the most beautiful sculptures of lions, unicorns, as well as 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: objects from the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, the Novodevichy Convent and the Kolomenskoye Museum-Estate were added . The chambers of the Romanov boyars also became its 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, due to which from 1986 to 1997. the visit was terminated. But thanks to this, at the moment we can see the museum as it was intended at the very beginning.
In addition to the external restoration, the interior of that time was restored, but at the same time, the storage system of the exhibits was modernized, as well as an elevator for the disabled. In addition, visitors can see on screens and monitors all exhibits 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, striking in its grandeur family tree, on which there are images of 68 royal persons.
In total, 39 halls are presented to the public, which will show the whole history of Russia from ancient times to the present day. On the ground floor there is everything connected with pre-Petrine times, on the second floor there is an exposition dedicated to Russia after the autocrat "cut a window into Europe." The third floor is dedicated to the times from the reign of Peter I to Alexander III, while the fourth is reserved for a variety of 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 totaled 4,373 thousand exhibits and more than 15 million historical documents, and since then it has expanded many times over. Today, among the most famous exhibits are “Svyatoslav Izbornik”, “Apostle”, an eight-meter boat carved with axes in the prehistoric period, walrus tusks with a letter, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, the saber of Emperor Bonaparte, armor that have survived to the time of Alexander Nevsky and much more, including personal belongings of famous and legendary kings, military and public figures (Peter I, Nicholas II and V.I. Lenin).
Mausoleum of Lenin
The Lenin Museum in Moscow on Red Square is another very popular and favorite tourist attraction in Russia. The mummy of V.I. Lenin is still kept there. It has been located next to the south wall under the Senate Tower since 1930. The first Mausoleum was temporary. It was built 6 days after the death of Vladimir Ilyich - January 27, 1924, and already in August a new one was erected under the direction 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 transported to Tyumen, where it was stored until the end of the war .
From 1953 to 1961, the body of I.V. Stalin was also located 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. Its last restoration with the strengthening of the foundation was made in 2013.
Foundation of the Museum of the Revolution
The Museum of the Revolution is located on 21. Tverskaya Street. Its exposition displays all the events that have occurred in Russia 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 Yuri Gagarin and much more.
Until 1917, the English Club was located in this building, and then the Museum of the Revolution was organized in a chic mansion. The decisive events of the October Revolution took place in Moscow on Red Square in October-November: the shelling of the junkers, entrenched 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. The events of these days are also devoted to one of the Museum's expositions .
Expositions of the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia
In 1998, the Museum of the Revolution was reorganized into the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia. All modern expositions are divorced in time: the first begins a story about the period of Russian autocracy and serfdom, and also talks about peasant reform and modifications in the military and judicial systems, in local governments.
Of particular interest to visitors is the hall in which the collection of the times of the USSR is located (from the Civil War to the time of Perestroika). These are posters, and military awards, weapons and banners .
In a few years, the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia is 100 years old. During this time, more than 1.3 million exhibits were collected here. All are located on three floors, there is also a lecture hall and a buffet. Among the exhibits, one can easily find the personal belongings of many politicians (Stalin and others).
The work of 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 History Museum on Red Square in Moscow is open from Monday to Thursday - from 10.00 to 18.00; 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; on Thursday - from 12.00 to 21.00.
Ticket price
One of the most popular places in Moscow is Red Square. Museums, the ticket prices of which are very diverse (even sometimes free), you should definitely visit all people who are 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 students of the Russian Federation 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 senior citizens.