The capital city of Russia is known for its religious, literary, and musical history, but it has also historically been a hub for Russian artists. Moscow has something for every art lover: domestic or international, traditional or contemporary. Here are the best art museums to check out while you’re in Moscow:

1. The State Tretyakov Gallery

Those who have an interest in traditional Russian art will find their mecca here: this museum houses the largest and greatest collection of Russian art in the world. With over 130 000 paintings and sculptures created entirely by Russian artists, and spanning the time period from the 11^th to the early 20^th century, the State Tretyakov Gallery will immerse you fully into the history of Russia through art.More »

2. The New Tretyakov Gallery

 This extension of the original Tretyakov Gallery specializes in 20th century Russian art, housing works from both waves of Russian avant-garde painting (1900s-1920s & 1960s-1980s) as well as the socialist realism movement from the 1930s to the 1950s.

3. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

 This museum is for those interested in perusing some of the best European art in the world. The works housed here are almost entirely non-Russian. You can browse an impressive collection of world-famous art from the likes of Rembrandt, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Rodin, Manet, Monet and Picasso as well as a large collection of art from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Post-impressionism and modernism are also represented here. The Pushkin State museum is the largest museum of European art in Moscow and well-worth a stop if only for the private collections that are exhibited here for the first time ever.More »

4. Multimedia Art Museum

For those interested in (obviously) multimedia art as well as photography exhibitions, you can find some of Russia’s best contemporary art and photography here. The Multimedia complex has a strong educational slant, as it was Russia’s first museum dedicated to photography and multimedia, founded in 1996. The museum has a photography school and regularly publishes its own books. The complex houses both a multimedia art museum and a separate photography exhibition space. Many international festivals and competitions are hosted here as well.More »

5. Winzavod

 This complex used to be Moscow’s oldest wine factory, and has now been transport into a contemporary art haven of 7 large industrial buildings, each housing one or more art galleries, concept stores, and artist studios.  The complex also regularly hosts fashion shows, art show openings and many other celebrity-studded events.More »

6. Moscow Museum of Modern Art

 This museum is worth a visit for any modern art lover. It houses an impressive collection of Russian and European 20th and 21st century modern art in four different buildings. You will find paintings and sculptures here spanning the course of modern art development in Europe. Avant-garde art is a major focus of the museum, and a special exhibit houses a collection of “nonconformist” art which was banned by the Soviet Union in the 50s and 60s.More »