History of the Museum

The Moscow Kremlin is the national relic of Russia and the symbol of Russian statehood. History itself has arranged it so that the Kremlin hill has become the main museum sightseeing in Moscow – the keeper of the historical memory of many generations who created and preserved this priceless heritage. In recognition of the uniqueness and singularity of the architecture of the Moscow Kremlin, its exceptional place in the development of world history, the architectural ensemble "The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square" was included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of as a part of the world historical and cultural heritage.

The Moscow Kremlin State Historical and Cultural Museum and Heritage Site incorporates the Armoury Chamber and the architectural ensemble of the Cathedral Square, consisting of the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation cathedrals, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, the Patriarch's Palace with the Twelve Apostles' Church, and the 'Ivan the Great' Bell Tower complex, as well as the exhibition halls in the Assumption Belfry and the Patriarch’s Palace.

The history of the formation, development and activities of the museum institution in the Moscow Kremlin spans almost three centuries, during which there have been periods of high growth, rapid development of museum and scientific work, periods of literally heroic struggle for the preservation of national relics, as well as failures, oblivion and revival.

The history of the museum in the Kremlin, in the very heart of the country, has always been inseparable from the history of the Russian state. A treasury museum, a museum preserving state relics and huge material values, has always attracted the close attention of the authorities. This fact sometimes favourably, sometimes tragically, but always actively influenced the life of the museum.

In 2020, The Moscow Kremlin Museums launched a theme-based satellite site The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square – the Cultural Heritage Sites of the UNESCO, coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the inclusion of the architectural ensemble “The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square” UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Workshop and the Armoury Chamber in the early 19th century

According to the decree "On the Rules for Managing and Preserving in Order and Integrity the Treasures in the Workshop and Armoury Chamber" signed by Emperor Alexander I on the 10th of March 1806, the Workshop and the Armoury Chamber got the status of the museum.

Evacuation of the Museum in 1812

At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812 the staff of the newly established museum in the Kremlin assumed the responsibility for the preservation and evacuation of the museum's precious collections — tsars' treasuries, historical artifacts and state relics — and they honourably performed their duties to their service and country.

The Moscow Kremlin Museums until 1917

In 1814 the first museum exposition was open for visitors. According to the highest Decree of Emperor Nicholas I, signed on the 22th of August, 1831, the name of the museum was changed to «The Moscow Armoury Chamber».

The Moscow Kremlin Museums in the first half of the 20th century

After the 1917 February Revolution the treasures of the Moscow Kremlin aroused an intense interest on the part of the researchers and members of the general public. Well-known historians and critics have been invented plans of transformation of the Kremlin into a city-museum.

The Moscow Kremlin Museums during the Great Patriotic War

Every year, early in May, Russian people celebrate the significant Victory Day dedicated to the glorious struggle and victory of Russia in the World War II. All of us feel gratitude for the great exploits performed by our soldiers, heroes, who kept fighting in the rear of the war for the great peace in all the world.

The Moscow Kremlin Museums in the second half of the 20th century

The development of the museum in the second half of the 20th — early 21th century.

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