Beyond Pavel Tretyakov's House

There is more to the Tretyakov Gallery than the iconic building at 10 Lavrushensky pereulok that holds its famed collection of Russian art from the 11th to 19th centuries. Several other Moscow museums share the Tretyakov name.

Tretyakov Gallery at 10 Krymsky Val. The vast and often lonely halls of this Soviet era building house the only permanent exposition of 20th century Russian art inside the country. Highlights include paintings by Malevich, Kandinsky and Chagall, but most of the propaganda-laced Socialist Realism collection is rather dull. The Krymsky Val gallery frequently hosts excellent temporary exhibits.

The Church Museum of St. Nicholas in Tolmachy boasts 15th to 19th century icons, including the renowned Our Lady of Vladimir (17th century). The gallery founder and his family frequently attended services at this church, located just a few dozen feet from the Tretyakov house. Closed in Soviet times, the church became the Tretyakov Gallery’s depository. In 1993, it was reconsecrated and resumed service as a Russian Orthodox church. Technically part of the main museum complex in Lavrushensky pereulok, it is easily accessible through its lower lobby.