Moscow's State Historical Museum was built to define Russian identity through its architectural design.
In short: Founded in 1872, this iconic red-brick landmark between Red Square and Manege Square houses millions of artifacts. From prehistoric relics to Romanov treasures, the museum serves as a massive repository of national history, featuring intricate interiors that were once hidden away during the Soviet era but are now fully restored.
The museum was established by Slavophiles including Ivan Zabelin and Aleksey Uvarov, who sought to foster national self-awareness through a dedicated institution. A board of prominent historians, such as Sergey Solovyov and Vasily Klyuchevsky, oversaw the project. After a competitive selection process, the commission was awarded to architect Vladimir Osipovich Shervud, who designed the structure in a distinct neo-Russian style. Construction took place between 1875 and 1881, replacing the former Principal Medicine Store commissioned by Peter the Great.
The interior spaces were adorned in the Russian Revival style by notable artists like Viktor Vasnetsov, Henryk Siemiradzki, and Ivan Aivazovsky. However, these artistic contributions faced suppression during the Soviet period, when the murals were deemed gaudy and covered with plaster. It was not until the spring of 2007 that all 40 exhibition halls were finally opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience the full scope of the collection, which spans from ancient times to the early 20th century.
Today, the museum functions as a significant research and educational hub, hosting seminars and restoration awards. Its reach extends beyond its Moscow walls, with 30 to 40 exhibition projects held annually across Russia. The institution also engages in international collaboration, such as the planned series involving European museums between 2018 and 2023. While the museum faced a temporary closure from March to July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since embraced digital accessibility, offering virtual tours on its official website since late 2016.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: State Historical Museum
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/art-state-historical-museum.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Cultural venues · More in Art · Latest · A–Z · All topics
