June 18, 2021

Tanks a Lot


Tanks a Lot
Russia is really bringing out the big guns for this new museum display.  Photo by Vitaly Kuzmin via CC BY-SA 3.0

Russia has always had a sort of weird love affair with its military tank vehicles, and now they have the world's largest museum of tanks to prove it! On June 12, The Russian Federation's museum of patriotism and war (called "Patriot Park") opened an enormous display of tanks from all over the world in Kubinka, Moscow Oblast

As one would expect, their collection is truly varied. They have items from the USA, Britain, Germany, and Iraq, amongst other nations. Many of their items are quite rare, too; for instance, the British tank called the Conquerer (which weighs 65 tons and was the heaviest of the 1950s) can only be seen in 4 museums anywhere in the entire world. 

There are also many interesting examples of Soviet military equipment too. One example is a T-34 tank made in 1942, which sunk to the bottom of a lake in the Pskov region and remained there until 2000. The tank was removed from the lake and can now be seen on display at the museum. 

You Might Also Like

The Tank that Turned the Tide
  • August 01, 1998

The Tank that Turned the Tide

The Russian T-34 tank was critical to Russia's victory at Kursk and through the rest of WWII. A short biography.
Tanks for the Update
  • March 31, 2020

Tanks for the Update

30 restored T-34 tanks have arrived in Moscow and now await Victory Day.
Sleeping Naked, Oh, and Tanks
  • February 19, 2020

Sleeping Naked, Oh, and Tanks

This week's Odder News: Belarus, the "Switzerland of the East," quiet hours, and tank-fueled wedding proposals.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955