Izmailovsky Kremlin

Izmailovsky Kremlin is a unique cultural and entertainment complex located in the eastern part of Moscow. It is a modern architectural structure stylized as ancient Russian architecture, created to preserve traditions and promote folk culture. The complex is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00, and entry to the territory is free.

Historical Heritage of the Territory

The area where the modern Izmailovsky Kremlin is located has a rich history. In the 17th century, it was the royal residence of the Romanov dynasty. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, advanced enterprises operated here: a glass-blowing plant, a brick factory, and a linen manufactory. A special place was occupied by the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond, on the island of which the royal family’s estate was located. It was in Izmailovo that young Peter I discovered an old boat, which sparked his interest in shipbuilding and eventually led to the creation of the Russian navy. After the War of 1812, the estate was damaged, and later a veterans’ almshouse was established here.

Creation of the Modern Complex

Construction of the cultural and entertainment center began in 1998 after government approval of the project. The goal was to create a modern cultural space while preserving the traditional style of Russian wooden architecture of the 16th–18th centuries. The project was implemented by entrepreneur A. F. Ushakov, and the complex welcomed its first visitors in 2007.

Architectural Features of the Complex

Izmailovsky Kremlin is built in the style of ancient Russian fortresses and represents a vivid example of the modern interpretation of traditional architecture. The complex is situated on an elevation and surrounded by a wooden palisade with stone walls and massive entrance towers.

Main Architectural Landmarks

The Palace of Russian Feasts — the central structure of the complex, inspired by the royal palace in Kolomenskoye. The building houses ten banquet halls with a total area of 6,500 square meters, accommodating up to 1,000 guests simultaneously. The largest of them — the Tsar’s Hall — can hold up to 500 people. The interiors are decorated with ornamental wood painting, and the basement recreates stylized wine cellars. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the tallest wooden Orthodox church in Moscow, reaching 46 meters in height. Construction began in 1997, and the church opened to parishioners in 2000. It is an active metochion of the Moscow St. Daniel’s Monastery, where services, baptisms, and weddings are held. The church houses relics of the holy princes Peter and Fevronia. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond and historical buildings.

Museums and Exhibition Spaces

There are thirteen museums and exhibition venues on the territory of the complex, each offering a unique exhibition.

Main Museum Exhibitions

The Museum of Russian Vodka introduces visitors to the five-century history of traditional Russian drink production. The exhibition covers manufacturing technology and the royal court’s drinking preferences. Tastings are organized for adult guests. The museum is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. The Moscow Animation Museum presents a collection of cartoon characters from around the world — from Soviet Cheburashka to Disney heroes and Hayao Miyazaki’s creations. The exhibition is open on weekends from 11:00 to 18:00. The Museum “World History in Plasticine” showcases a unique collection of clay figures representing historical figures. The oldest part of the exhibition, “History in Faces,” was created more than fifty years ago. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The Doll Museum is divided into two sections: traditional Japanese dolls and original works by Russian craftsmen. Exhibits include heroes from Japanese legends, characters from “Alice in Wonderland,” Grandfather Mazai with hares, and even Viktor Tsoi. Hours: daily from 11:00 to 18:00. The “Art-Kremlin” Gallery has been operating since 2014 and displays works by young contemporary artists and sculptors. The exhibition center is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

Additional Museum Spaces

• Museum of the History of the Russian Navy — dedicated to Russia’s naval victories and fleet development
• Museum of Traditional Russian Toys — a collection of old and modern folk toys
• Bread Museum — tells the story of bread, a product traditionally associated with Russian culture

Creative Workshops and Master Classes

Izmailovsky Kremlin offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and take part in creative activities.

Craft Workshops

Pottery Workshop conducts clay modeling classes for all age groups. Participants learn to work on a potter’s wheel and paint pottery. Blacksmith’s Yard introduces visitors to the art of metal forging. Guests can make a souvenir themselves — a commemorative coin or a lucky horseshoe. Candle Workshop offers special programs for newlyweds, families, and couples celebrating wedding anniversaries. The result of joint creativity is a unique handmade candle. “Marzipan” Workshop welcomes children from four years old. In thirty minutes, young participants create edible figures made of almond dough with sugar syrup. “Kremlin Kitchen” teaches recipes of traditional Russian, monastic, and Lenten cuisines. Programs are available for adults and children, with the option of organizing family celebrations and romantic dinners.

Additional Creative Directions

• Wicker weaving and artistic wood carving
• Weaving workshop teaching traditional techniques
• Painting of matryoshka and Dymkovo toys
• Making rag dolls
• Soap-making and chocolate-making workshops

Participation in workshops is paid and requires prior registration.

Palace of Marriage and Wedding Services

In August 2009, Marriage Palace No. 5, also known as the Palace of Happiness, opened on the complex grounds. Ceremonial marriage registrations are held here to orchestral music. Newlyweds can complement their civil ceremony with a church wedding at the Church of St. Nicholas, and celebrate in one of the banquet halls. The complex offers weddings in traditional Russian style with ancient rituals — the so-called “Tsar’s Weddings.” Services for wedding anniversary celebrations are also available.

Vernissage in Izmailovo

Next to the Izmailovsky Kremlin is the Vernissage — the largest exhibition-fair of decorative and applied arts and folk crafts. The market rows appeared here in the late 1980s and have since expanded significantly.

Thematic Zones of the Vernissage

• Craft Rows — clothing and household items made using traditional Russian techniques
• “Russian Souvenirs” — national gifts from toys to scarves and samovars
• Flea Market — items with history and vintage pieces
• Antique Market — for discerning collectors
• Voentorg — a military-themed zone
• “Painting Park” — artworks in various styles from realism to avant-garde
• Silver Row — jewelry
• Artists’ Alley — original works by painters

Most Vernissage locations operate on weekends from 9:00 to 17:00, but souvenir and craft stalls are open all week from 9:00 to 18:00. Wednesday is reserved for wholesale trade.

Festivals and Events

Izmailovsky Kremlin serves as a venue for city holidays, fairs, and festivals. Folk ensembles regularly perform here, and themed events feature animators in historical costumes. Traditional festivities such as Maslenitsa, featuring games, contests, and pancake feasts, are especially popular. For children, interactive programs with educational quizzes and fun games are organized.

Visitor Information

How to Get There

By Metro:

• To “Partizanskaya” station — then 10 minutes on foot along Projected Passage No. 6604
• To “Izmailovo” station — then 11 minutes on foot along Vernisazhnaya Street
• To “Cherkizovskaya” station — then 20 minutes on foot along Vernisazhnaya Street

By Bus: To the “Partizanskaya Metro” stop, routes No. 375, 386, 391, 399, 399e. By Car: From central Moscow, the trip takes about thirty minutes without traffic. Address for navigation: Izmailovskoye Shosse, 73zh. Paid parking is available on-site.

Admission Fees

Entry to the Izmailovsky Kremlin grounds is free. Separate fees apply for museum visits (from 70 to 240 rubles), workshops, guided tours, and restaurant services.

Dining Options

Restaurants and cafes on the complex grounds offer traditional Russian cuisine prepared using old recipes. The Palace of Russian Feasts accommodates up to 1,000 guests simultaneously in ten banquet halls of varying capacities.

Interesting Facts about Izmailovsky Kremlin

• The complex was built based on drawings and sketches of a 16th–17th century royal residence but does not claim historical monument status
• The Church of St. Nicholas is the tallest wooden functioning Orthodox church in Moscow
• The territory is often used for filming movies and TV shows due to its authentic historical atmosphere
• From the church bell tower, panoramic views of the entire complex, the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond, and the surroundings open up
• The white-stone towers are decorated with multicolored tiles made using ancient technologies and patterns
• The basement of the Palace of Russian Feasts recreates stylized wine cellars and torture chambers
• The territory hosts a Sunday school, church singing courses, and a church flower arrangement school

Conclusion

Izmailovsky Kremlin represents a unique space where modern entertainment meets immersion in the atmosphere of ancient Russian culture. The complex offers a wide variety of family activities: educational museum exhibitions, creative workshops in traditional crafts, festive events, and wedding ceremonies. The colorful architecture with bright towers and wooden chambers creates a fairytale-like atmosphere, while numerous museums and exhibitions allow visitors to explore Russian history and culture in depth. The proximity of the Vernissage offers an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs and folk craft items. For a deeper acquaintance with the complex, it is recommended to use the services of experienced guides who will lead you through hidden corners, show the most photogenic spots, and tell fascinating stories about the cultural spaces and historical events associated with these places.