State Tretyakov Gallery
Moscow · Russia · Founded 1856
Good for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts · First-timers
1856
Collection Began
180,000+
Works of Art
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia — pavel Tretyakov began collecting Russian art in 1856 with the dream of a national gallery; he donated the entire collection to the city of Moscow in 1892. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Admission: 700 RUB standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About State Tretyakov Gallery
Pavel Tretyakov began collecting Russian art in 1856 with the dream of a national gallery; he donated the entire collection to the city of Moscow in 1892.
The historic Lavrushinsky Lane building displays Russian art from eleventh-century icons to the early twentieth century, including Andrei Rublev's Trinity — the most revered icon in Russian Orthodoxy.
Tretyakov's portrait by Repin hangs at the entrance, and his stipulation that the collection remain intact and free to the public is honoured to this day.
A separate New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val covers Soviet and contemporary Russian art from the twentieth century to the present.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at State Tretyakov Gallery without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Trinity
📍 Icon gallery, Room 60
The most celebrated icon in Russian art — three angels seated at a table in a vision of the Holy Trinity.
- 2
Boyarynya Morozova
📍 Hall 10
The boyarina Feodosia Morozova arrested for her Old Believer faith, her hand raised in defiance as she is dragged through the snow — Surikov's masterpiece of Russian historical painting.
- 3
The Appearance of Christ Before the People
📍 Hall 20
Ivanov's epic canvas — twenty years in the making — showing John the Baptist pointing to Christ as the Messiah.
- 4
Morning in a Pine Forest
📍 Hall 10
Shishkin's luminous forest landscape with bear cubs — one of the most reproduced images in Russian art, painted by Shishkin with bears added by Savitsky.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define State Tretyakov Gallery — and why they matter.
The Trinity
Andrei Rublev · c. 1410–1420
📍 Icon gallery, Room 60
The most celebrated icon in Russian art — three angels seated at a table in a vision of the Holy Trinity. Restored and displayed in a dedicated climate-controlled case.
Boyarynya Morozova
Vasily Surikov · 1887
📍 Hall 10
The boyarina Feodosia Morozova arrested for her Old Believer faith, her hand raised in defiance as she is dragged through the snow — Surikov's masterpiece of Russian historical painting.
The Appearance of Christ Before the People
Alexander Ivanov · 1837–1857
📍 Hall 20
Ivanov's epic canvas — twenty years in the making — showing John the Baptist pointing to Christ as the Messiah. One of the largest and most ambitious works in Russian art.
Morning in a Pine Forest
Ivan Shishkin and Konstantin Savitsky · 1889
📍 Hall 10
Shishkin's luminous forest landscape with bear cubs — one of the most reproduced images in Russian art, painted by Shishkin with bears added by Savitsky.
Collections & highlights
- • Andrei Rublev's Trinity and medieval icons
- • Itinerants — Repin, Surikov, Shishkin, Levitan
- • Ivanov's Appearance of Christ Before the People
- • Russian portraiture from the 18th century
- • Avant-garde works before 1917
- • Tretyakov's original gallery building
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate building for twentieth-century art?
Yes, the New Tretyakov on Krymsky Val displays Soviet and contemporary Russian art.
How long does a visit take?
Plan two to three hours for the main building.
How long should I spend at State Tretyakov Gallery?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is State Tretyakov Gallery best known for?
Pavel Tretyakov began collecting Russian art in 1856 with the dream of a national gallery; he donated the entire collection to the city of Moscow in 1892. Key highlights include The Trinity by Andrei Rublev, Boyarynya Morozova by Surikov, The Apparition of Christ Before the People by Ivanov.
How do I get tickets for State Tretyakov Gallery?
700 RUB standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.tretyakovgallery.ru/en/
Is Rublev's Trinity always on display?
Yes — it is permanently displayed in a dedicated case in the icon gallery. Viewing may be briefly interrupted during conservation checks.
How does Tretyakov compare to the Russian Museum in St Petersburg?
Both are essential — Tretyakov is Moscow's equivalent, with overlapping but distinct collections. Tretyakov is stronger on icons and the Itinerants.
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