State Historical Museum in Moscow

THE MYSTERIES OF THE VANISHED CIVILIZATIONS

The Historical Museum offers you a unique opportunity to see amazing heritage of vanished civilizations that existed on the territory of Russia in the period of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Most of the artifacts on display are archaeological finds. They are silent witnesses of civilizations that disappeared long ago. A glimpse through the mist of time gives you a chance to appreciate the glory and eminence of ancient cultures. Each of those ancient civilizations contributed to cultural heritage of Russia and found its continuation in the present-day world. An insight into the world of antiquity gives a better understanding of humanity, its origin and destiny. Antiquity attracts and captivates everyone with its charisma and enigmatic charm.

HISTORICAL MASTERPIECES OF THE GOLDEN DEPOSITORY (TOUR OF THE EXHIBITION "GOLD. METAL OF THE GODS AND THE KING OF METALS")

The exhibition "The Gold - Metal of the Gods and the King of Metals" is located in the museum's three central halls. The Byzantine Room is beyond doubt considered as the most beautiful hall in the Museum.The exhibition represents Gold as a symbol of heavenly and earthly powers, wealth and luxury. Have a look at the exquisite presentation of the most mysterious metal - the Gold, a metal that never rusts and is always bright and shiny. Those virtues of Gold determined its role in the creation of religious objects and attributes of power and authority. Most of the rarities exhibited there come from the Golden Vault - the Special Depository of the Historical Museum. The visitors are always amazed by skill and creativity of authors of more than 900 masterpieces displayed there. These items represent works anonymous goldsmiths and renowned jewelers, medalists, armorers, bronze casters and glass blowers.

TREASURES OF THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

We invite our guests to see the most significant relics of the museum's collection. The permanent exposition of the Museum reflects history of several millenniums: from the Stone Age to the beginning of the 20th century. The tour of the museum starts in one of its most beautiful halls - the Main Lobby ("Paradnyje seni" in Russian). This room astonishes with its splendor and eminence. The dome of the Main Lobby is decorated with the Family Tree of Russian Rulers. There are images of all Grand Princes, Czars and Emperors. The unique design of interiors of halls of the first floor corresponds with historical epochs those rooms are devoted to. For instance, the decorative patterns on the window platbands in hall №5 replicate the ornamental motifs of the metal buckles found during the excavations in Vladimir region. Meantime, the interior of hall №10 is made after the pattern of bas-reliefs and wall painting and mosaic floors of cathedrals of old Vladimir. The visitors are able to see unique archeological finds: a dug-out boat of the Neolithic era; the Kolikho dolmen - a unique monument of the Bronze Age ever exhibited inside a museum; bronze items as the samples of highly artistic casting; the Taman marble sarcophagus - the outstanding monument of antique art. The visitors will discover relics of the Middle Ages: the first Russian coins (golden and silver); ancient manuscripts, and birch-bark letters; the decoration of clothes of Princes and Boyars; armor and weapons of Russian warriors; the portraits of Russian Grand Princes and Czars painted in 17th Century; personal belongings of Moscow sovereigns; skilful works of icon-painters, embroiderers, wood- and bone carvers. Significant events of the Russian history of the XVIII-XIX centuries are reflected in wartime relics; works of decorative and applied arts; written documents; portraits of the Emperors, statesmen and public figures, paintings and prints.

MOSCOW AND MUSCOVITES DURING THE TIME OF IVAN THE TERRIBLE

The Museum preserves unique relics - old books, icons, "parsuna" paintings ("parsuna"is a depiction of a particular «person», it is an old Russian form of portrait resembling icon paintings in technique and style), arms and armor, and articles of everyday life. These artifacts provide an exciting insight into fascinating life in Moscow and its inhabitants of the 16th. It allows to get a feel of that era and to learn about the major events of that dramatic time. The visitors can see personal belongings of the first Russian Czar, including his cilice (hair shirt), special prayer clothing. This tour will be followed by a walk through Red Square, where visitors get become acquainted with the architectural ensemble of the capital's center, and hear a thrilling, captivating story about remarkable facts from the everyday Life of the city dwellers in the reign of Ivan the Terrible.

ARTIFACTS AND RELICS OF THE RUSSIAN HISTORY OF THE 18th—19th CENTURIES

This excursion allows visitors to see with their own eyes personal belongings of Russian Emperors, public figures, statesmen, military commanders, scientists and artists. The invaluable relics preserved in the Historical Museum. The priceless evidence of the glorious and heroic past of Russia includes arms and banners, uniforms, orders and medals, trophies of the Russian army, and scale mock-ups of warships that took part in great sea battles. The extraordinarily rich collection of portraits, paintings and prints, glass goblets, sets of porcelain tableware, snuffboxes and jewelry provide a stunning reflection of the cultural aspect of public life.

TRADITION OF CELEBRATING THE NAME DAY IN RUSSIA

The visitors will join traditional Russian games and amusements of Name day celebration. Visitors will learn how Name days were celebrated in Russia and how important where godparents in people's lives. Participants of this theatrical tour will be guided through the museum's exposition by Russian Czar, Czarevna (Czar's daughter) and Boyars. Visitors will learn how Boyar's home was organized and about traditions of celebrating the Name day in the Czar's family. Visitors will hear Gusli (psaltery) music and traditional songs that accompany this show. In the end Czarevna wilL treat everyone to snacks and refreshments.