The Tretyakov Gallery

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the largest museums in Russia, with a collection of more than 180,000 works of art. The Tretyakov Gallery's collection is considered one of the most significant in the world, and each work of art within it has a unique history. The museum was founded in the mid-19th century by the Tretyakov brothers as a private collection, and over time it became an important cultural center in Moscow. Today, the Tretyakov Gallery continues to attract people who wish to learn about the rich heritage of Russian painting and discover more about great artists and their works.

History of the Museum's Origins

The roots of the Tretyakov Gallery trace back to the mid-19th century. In 1851, Pavel and Sergey Tretyakov purchased a mansion in Lavrushinsky Lane, marking the beginning of one of the largest private collections of Russian art. Pavel Tretyakov began his active collecting in 1856, primarily acquiring works by domestic artists. These early acquisitions laid the foundation for what would become the future Tretyakov Gallery – a unique collection that reflects the development of Russian painting. Inspired by the idea of creating a gallery, Pavel Mikhaylovich opened it for public viewing in 1867. With each passing year, the number of paintings grew, and the collection expanded. In 1872, Tretyakov added an additional wing to the building to house the growing gallery, and in the 1880s, construction continued according to the design of architect A.S. Kaminsky. In 1892, Pavel Mikhaylovich Tretyakov donated his collection, which by then included over a thousand paintings, to Moscow. As a result, the gallery became a state museum, and Tretyakov became its lifelong curator.

Development of the Gallery in the 20th Century

After the 1917 revolution, the Tretyakov Gallery became part of the state museum system, which allowed it to continue developing despite the turbulent historical events. The museum's collection grew significantly through the confiscation of private collections and donations. The construction of a new wing in 1936, designed by architect A.V. Shchusev, became a key step in expanding the exhibition space and the storage for works of art. During World War II, the Tretyakov Gallery underwent severe trials. Much of the collection was evacuated to safe regions, such as Novosibirsk and Perm. The museum building itself was repeatedly targeted in air raids. Despite the destruction, the museum managed to resume its operations, and by 1944, the lost exhibits began to return, and exhibitions were partially restored. In the 1980s, the Tretyakov Gallery entered a new phase of development. The construction of the "New Tretyakov Gallery" on Krymsky Val significantly expanded exhibition spaces and included 20th-century art in the museum’s collection. This enriched the gallery’s holdings with works from various artistic movements, such as avant-garde, socialist realism, and Soviet modernism.

Architecture of the Tretyakov Gallery

The gallery building in Lavrushinsky Lane became one of the symbols of Moscow's architecture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Its appearance, which changed several times through reconstructions, has always remained recognizable. The project by Viktor Vasnetsov played a special role in shaping the modern appearance of the gallery, giving the building monumentality and expressiveness. After the revolution, the gallery was converted into a museum, and in the following years, it was significantly expanded. The reconstruction, completed in 1995, created a modern museum complex on Krymsky Val.

Collections and Exhibitions

Today, the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection includes more than 180,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, graphics, and decorative arts. Among the most famous works on display are masterpieces by such artists as Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov, Alexander Ivanov, Ivan Shishkin, Vasily Vereshchagin, Viktor Vasnetsov, and many others. The main part of the collection is dedicated to Russian art. In the historical building on Lavrushinsky Lane, you can see paintings spanning the period from ancient Russian icons to the end of the 19th century. Here you can view masterpieces such as Andrei Rublev's "Trinity," Ivan Kramskoy's "The Unknown Woman," Valentin Serov's "Girl with Peaches," and Alexander Ivanov's "The Appearance of Christ to the People." The New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val showcases 20th-century art. It exhibits works by avant-garde artists, Russian modernists, and Soviet and post-Soviet artists. This building houses the largest modern art museum in Russia, with works by artists such as Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall, and Boris Kustodiev. Additionally, the Tretyakov Gallery holds a collection of Russian sculpture and decorative arts, including jewelry and antique furniture.

Museum Activities and Public Programs

The Tretyakov Gallery not only preserves masterpieces of art but also plays an active role in the educational and cultural life of Moscow. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, master classes, concerts, and other cultural events that attract thousands of visitors. Notable projects carried out by the museum include children's master classes that introduce kids to the world of painting and help develop their creative abilities. Furthermore, the Tretyakov Gallery works closely with researchers and restorers, participating in major scientific projects focused on the restoration of works of art.

Gallery Buildings

Today, the Tretyakov Gallery occupies several buildings:

• Main building on Lavrushinsky Lane – the historical site where Tretyakov's original collection was housed. It displays works by Russian artists from the ancient Russian period to the early 20th century.
• New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val – a modern building housing 20th-century art. Here you can view works by avant-garde artists, socialist realists, and others.
• Engineering Wing – a building adjacent to the main complex. It hosts temporary exhibitions and various cultural events.

What to See at the Tretyakov Gallery

At the Tretyakov Gallery, you can see works by some of the most famous Russian artists:

• Andrei Rublev: The icon "Trinity" – one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Russian art.
• Ivan Kramskoy: The painting "The Unknown Woman" – a mysterious portrait that continues to fascinate art historians.
• Vasily Surikov: Historical paintings such as "Boyaryna Morozova" and "The Conquest of Siberia by Yermak."
• Ilya Repin: Realist paintings that reflect the life of the Russian people.
• Vasily Vasnetsov: Fairy-tale paintings celebrating Russian history and mythology.
• Mikhail Nesterov: Religious and portrait works filled with spirituality.
• Isaac Levitan: Landscapes capturing the beauty of Russian nature.

Why Visit

• Dive into the history of Russian art: The Tretyakov Gallery is a unique place where you can trace the development of Russian art from its origins to the present day.
• Discover masterpieces of world culture: Many works from the Tretyakov Gallery's collection are known worldwide.
• Inspiration and aesthetic pleasure: The paintings of Russian artists evoke deep emotions and inspire new discoveries.
• Educational programs: The gallery offers various educational programs, lectures, and master classes to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of art.

The Tretyakov Gallery Today

The Tretyakov Gallery is rightfully considered one of the largest museums in the world and an important cultural center in Moscow. More than 1.5 million people visit the museum annually. It is a place where culture and history, art and science meet, and everyone who visits can feel connected to the great Russian cultural tradition. Today, the gallery includes several branches in addition to the main building on Lavrushinsky Lane and the New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val, such as the Viktor Vasnetsov House Museum, the A. Vasnetsov Museum Apartment, and others. The Tretyakov Gallery is not only a place for art lovers but also a vital cultural institution that continues to grow, opening new horizons for Russian and world painting.