The State Tretyakov Gallery on Lavrushinsky Lane is Moscow’s major collection of Russian art, with works spanning from medieval icons to the early 20th century. Its rooms trace changing styles through paintings, sculpture and religious art. Look for Andrei Rublev’s Trinity, Vasnetsov’s Alyonushka, Shishkin’s Morning in a Pine Forest and Kramskoy’s The Unknown Woman. The collection is extensive, so choose a few artists or periods in advance, or set aside several hours to explore at a measured pace.
A collection begun by Pavel Tretyakov
The gallery began in 1856, when Moscow merchant and art collector Pavel Tretyakov started acquiring Russian paintings. His private collection became the foundation of a museum devoted to Russian art. In 1892, Tretyakov gave his collection to the city of Moscow, and the gallery opened to the public the following year.
The collection grew beyond its beginnings as a group of paintings. It now includes icons, sculpture and graphic works, giving the galleries room to follow Russian art through many periods and forms.
From icons to painting
The historic building on Lavrushinsky Lane presents Russian art from early religious icons through the early 20th century. The icon collection includes Andrei Rublev’s Trinity, a major work of 15th-century Russian art, as well as the Vladimir Mother of God, a Byzantine icon dating to the 1100s.
Later rooms bring together portraits, landscapes and scenes of Russian life. Look for works by Ilya Repin, Viktor Vasnetsov, Ivan Shishkin, Valentin Serov and Ivan Aivazovsky. Notable paintings include Repin’s Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan, Serov’s Girl with Peaches, Vasnetsov’s Alyonushka and Shishkin’s Morning in a Pine Forest. Kramskoy’s The Unknown Woman is another familiar highlight.
Planning a visit
The collection is large enough to reward a plan. A quick route through the halls can take a few hours; allowing four or five hours gives you more time with the works and the different periods. An audio guide can help explain the paintings and their context.
The gallery is at Lavrushinsky Lane, 10. The building has a restaurant and restrooms, and the entrance and elevator are wheelchair accessible. Tickets in advance are recommended. Check the gallery’s website for current visitor information and any special events before setting out.
The New Tretyakov Gallery
The State Tretyakov Gallery also has a separate building on Krymsky Val, in Muzeon Park. Known as the New Tretyakov Gallery, it presents Russian and Soviet art of the 20th and 21st centuries, including avant-garde works, socialist realism, underground art and later movements. Artists represented there include Natalia Goncharova, Mikhail Larionov and Kazimir Malevich.
The two buildings cover different stretches of Russian art history. Check which collection you want to see before planning your route, as the New Tretyakov Gallery is a separate visit from the historic building on Lavrushinsky Lane.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the State Tretyakov Gallery?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for a brisk visit. Four to five hours gives you more time to explore the extensive collection.
What are the main highlights at the Lavrushinsky Lane gallery?
Look for Andrei Rublev’s Trinity, the Vladimir Mother of God, Repin’s Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan, Serov’s Girl with Peaches and Shishkin’s Morning in a Pine Forest.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
The gallery recommends getting tickets in advance. Check its website for current visitor information and special events.
Is there a separate gallery for 20th-century Russian art?
Yes. The New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val presents Russian and Soviet art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
