Plizio Visual Lab

State Historical Museum

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
—°9
State Historical Museum (Russia)

Weather…

The State Historical Museum in Moscow, majestically anchoring the northern side of Red Square, is the premier museum of Russia's national history. The striking dark-red brick building was constructed between 1875 and 1881 according to the designs of architect Vladimir Sherwood in the Russian Revival (or Neo-Russian) style, seamlessly blending with the historic architectural ensemble around the Kremlin. The founding of the museum was driven by an initiative of prominent Russian intellectuals aiming to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. Today, the massive collection comprises over 4 million exhibits and 15 million historical documents. The chronologically arranged exhibition halls cover the entire span of Russian history, ranging from prehistoric tools and artifacts of Kievan Rus to the personal belongings of the Romanov Tsars and cultural treasures of the 19th century. The interior of the museum is just as magnificent as its facade, featuring elaborately painted ceilings and richly decorated halls.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-4413161917124-2-8
Rain mm484243498686937564695852

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The State Historical Museum on Moscow's Red Square is fully open to visitors. The exhibitions span multiple floors with artifacts from the Stone Age to the 20th century.
🕒
Typical hours
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursdays until 9 pm. However, it is closed on Mondays and on the last Tuesday of the month; these are typical rest days.
📷
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in all exhibition halls. In special exhibitions, photography may be restricted; look for relevant signs.
⏱️
Time needed
Plan at least two to three hours for a museum visit. History enthusiasts can easily spend half a day studying the vast collections.
Combine with
Combine the museum visit with Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil's Cathedral. The nearby GUM department store and Alexander Garden are also worth a visit.
🧭
Getting there
The museum is located directly on Red Square, reachable by metro to Ploshchad Revolyutsii or Okhotny Ryad stations. Many bus lines and taxis stop near the square.
💡
Insider tip
Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the ticket office. Visit the museum in the early afternoon on weekdays when it is less crowded.

Geography

Coordinates
55.75530, 37.61770

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town State Historical Museum (9)

Historical Museum🏛 museum

National history museum in Moscow, Russia, covering Russian history from ancient times.

Iberian Gate and Chapel

Double entrance gates of the Kaliningrad city wall, also called Iberian Gate.

Kilometre zero

Zero kilometre marker in Moscow, from which road distances are measured.

Corner Arsenal Tower

Fortified tower in Tverskoy District, Russia, part of the Moscow Kremlin.

Nicholskaya Tower

Gate tower in Tverskoy District, Russia, one of the towers of the Moscow Kremlin.

Kazan Cathedral

Church in Moscow, Russia, located on Red Square.

Moscow Archaeology Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Moscow, displaying archaeological finds from the city's history.

Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812🏛 museum

Museum about the 1812 conflict during the Napoleonic Wars, in Moscow.

Kremlin Senate🏰 castle

Palace within the Moscow Kremlin, housing the Russian government.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Best day to visit?
Weekdays in the morning are quietest.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes, this saves time in queues.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, bags and coats must be left there.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, especially the medieval exhibits are exciting.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, elevators are available in most areas.
State Historical Museum: where is it located?
State Historical Museum is located in Russia.
State Historical Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Historical Museum, Iberian Gate and Chapel, Kilometre zero.
State Historical Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
State Historical Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The State Historical Museum in Moscow, majestically anchoring the northern side of Red Square, is the premier museum of Russia's national history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Russia →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks