Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Located on Volkhonka Street directly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow. Founded in 1912 by Professor Ivan Tsvetaev as a museum of classical arts, it was later renamed in 1937 to commemorate Alexander Pushkin, despite having no direct connection to the poet. Today, you will discover an incredible collection of around 700,000 works spanning paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, decorative arts, and archaeological objects.

As you explore the halls, you can admire Byzantine mosaics and icons, Italian Primitives, and Western European paintings, including works by French impressionists and modern artists that rejoined the museum. The collection features over 600 Western European sculptures, Italian Renaissance pieces, and ancient Egyptian, Southwest Asian, and classical antiquities primarily gathered by Russian scholars. Don't miss Professor Tsvetaev's unique collection of casts and copies, which highlights plastic art culminating in central works by Auguste Rodin.

Additionally, the museum houses a numismatic collection exceeding 200,000 items and has hosted Sviatoslav Richter's December Nights international musical festival since 1981, offering a truly rich cultural encounter.

What to see at Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

• Around 700,000 art objects, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs
• Byzantine mosaics, Italian Primitives, and French impressionist masterpieces
• Ivan Tsvetaev's preserved collection of cast sculptures, featuring works by Auguste Rodin
• Ancient archaeological treasures from Egypt, Southwest Asia, and classical antiquity
• Extensive numismatic holdings containing over 200,000 coins, medals, and casts

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit Hall No. 1 to view the ancient Egyptian objects from Vladimir Golenishchev's collection that have been on display since 1912.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is easy to reach on Moscow’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Moscow travel guide.