The exhibition in the State Anteroom of the Armoury Chamber tells the story of the creation of the memorial architectural complex in honour of Emperor Alexander II in the Moscow Kremlin in 1893-1898. It was the first tsarist monument on the territory of the Kremlin dedicated both to a particular ruler and to the entire Romanov dynasty. No sculptural composition in Russia at the time could compare with it in scale and majesty.

The theme of the lost monument, which glorifies the Russian state, allows us to reveal the outstanding story of its creation, its solemn unveiling and a very short but vivid period of its existence.

The personality of Alexander II the Liberator, the great reformer, is connected with the most significant changes in all spheres of the life of Russian society. It is important to stress that the monument was created with the help of the people's voluntary donations, which is reflected in the inscription on the pedestal: "To Emperor Alexander II with the people's love". It took seventeen years to develop numerous projects, to select the most deserving one and to realize it. The monument existed for a little longer – it was destroyed in the early years of the Soviet regime. 

The national significance of the monument determined the iconic choice of its location on the high slope of the Borovitsky Hill, from where it should be clearly visible from various points. The memorial ensemble was harmoniously integrated into the complex landscape of the steep slope. Its upper platform was flush with the square, which was used for military reviews and crowds of people on festive days, and the lower terrace was located in the Lower Garden of the Kremlin, from where two lateral symmetrical staircases led to the tsarist monument. An important part of the designers' idea was to place the statue of the Sovereign opposite the Small Nicholas Palace, because it was there that Grand Prince Alexander Nikolaevich, the future Emperor Alexander II, was born on 17 April 1818.

The expressive appearance of the monument, created by artist P.V. Zhukovsky, architect N.V. Sultanov and sculptor A.M. Opekushin, was well preserved in the memory of Muscovites. It was depicted in numerous drawings, photographs and postcards with views of the monument and the southern part of the Kremlin, as well as on souvenirs, coins, commemorative medals and jewellery - some of which are presented at the exhibition.

The exhibition in the State Anteroom of the Armoury Chamber is open daily except Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00.

The price is included in the ticket to the Armoury Chamber.

• 1200 rubles - full price ticket
• 600 rubles - discount ticket for all under-16s
• free of charge for under 7-year-olds

Tickets can be purchased:

• online (only full price tickets)
• at the ticket office in the Alexander Garden on the day of the visit.