Sightseeing in Moscow

There are many beautiful and interesting exhibits, museums, palaces, and parks in Moscow. Below is a list of the best and most frequently visited tourist sites. You might also like to check out the official tourist site of the Moscow Government.

RED SQUARE AND VICINITY

Armory and Diamond Fund Exhibit
These exhibitions, located inside the Kremlin display a fabulous collection of decorative and applied art. Collection includes early weaponry, fabrics, cookware, furniture, jewelry, carriages, gold, precious stones, including one of the largest diamonds in the world. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thursdays.
Kremlin and its churches and museums
Once inside the Kremlin walls, you can explore the territory of what once was a walled-in city. The Kremlin still remains the focal point for the Russian Federation Government offices, including President Yeltsin's office. The Kremlin is open every day except Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are four churches built in the 14th and 15th centuries on the grounds, which you can enter by buying a ticket at the main entrance to the Kremlin.

Red Square
This famous historical center of Moscow is located next to the Kremlin. Enjoy gazing at the beautiful architecture of the Kremlin walls, towers and buildings, the Lenin Mausoleum, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Historical Museum and GUM department store.

St. Basil's Cathedral
Built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible in celebration of the Russian victory over the Tartar invaders, it stands in Red Square as one of the most famous symbols of Russia. You may explore the inside by purchasing a ticket next to the entrance to the Cathedral.

GUM Department store
This is actually an enclosed mall lining the left side of Red Square. Historically a central place to shop, in recent years it has undergone renovation and now contains mostly upscale, foreign name stores.

MUSEUMS

Kolomenskoe
Excellent examples of church architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries adorn the enormous territory of the preserve situated on the Moscow River. In the buildings, you can see historical objects from everyday Russian life. Open daily except Mondays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Metro: Kolomenskoe. Tel: 115-66023

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Art of the ancient world (Egypt, Assyria, Ancient Greece, and Rome) and Western European art from the middle ages to the middle of the 20th century. The largest collection of French impressionists in Russia. Open Tues. - Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Metro: Kropotkinskaya. Tel: 203-7998Tretyakov Gallery