GUM is the historic shopping arcade of Moscow, located on the eastern side of Red Square. Its eclectic late-19th-century architecture, its monumental glass roof and its 2.5 km of interior galleries make it as much a monument as a shopping center.

Why visit GUM

You enter GUM less to shop than to walk through a theatrical setting. The sandstone, marble and granite facades stretch for more than 250 meters overlooking Red Square, and inside, three levels of galleries connected by metal walkways unfold beneath a glass roof signed by Vladimir Shuhov, the engineer behind Russia's great structures of that era.

Entry is free. A visit naturally combines with the Kremlin, the Saint Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum, all situated just meters away. Plan for 1 to 2 hours depending on whether you stroll, dine, or linger over the period-recreated displays.

History of GUM

The building's history begins in 1886, when local merchants launched an architectural competition to replace the old market rows. The winning project came from architects Alexander Pomerantsev and Vladimir Shuhov. Construction began in 1890 and the building was inaugurated on December 14, 1893, in the presence of Moscow's governor general and the Tsar's family. The acronym GUM then stood for Glávnyj Ouniversáĺnyj Magazín, meaning "Main Universal Store."

After the 1917 revolution, the building was nationalized. It became the headquarters of the People's Commissariat for Food led by Alexander Tsiuriupa, then housed various ministry offices. GUM remained a state institution until the early 1950s. Following Stalin's death in March 1953, the new leadership decided on its complete renovation, and the building reopened to the public in August of that year, restoring its original commercial function.

What to see inside

• The Shuhov glass roof: a steel framework with glass covering the three parallel passages, particularly photogenic in late morning light.
• The central gallery and fountain: the round fountain at the intersection of the galleries is the classic meeting point for Muscovites.
• Gastronome No. 1: a luxury grocery store on the ground floor, recreated in Soviet-era opulence style, where you'll find caviar, vodka, chocolates and regional Russian products.
• Historic storefronts: some recreate period displays (Soviet era of the 1950s-60s), complete with original packaging, scales and advertisements.
• GUM Plombir ice cream: sold throughout the corridors, with a recipe unchanged since Soviet times, it's a local institution.
• Stolovaya 57 canteen: a cafeteria on the second floor serving daily Russian cuisine (borscht, pelmeni, Olivier salad) at reasonable prices in a retro setting.

On the retail side, there are around 200 shops: international luxury brands, ready-to-wear, a bookstore, perfumery and gourmet food.

Practical information

• Address: Krasnaya Ploshchad 3, on the eastern side of Red Square.
• Entry: free and open to all, including photography of the galleries.
• Hours: open daily with broad operating hours (morning through evening). Check updated hours before your visit.
• Metro: Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Line 3), Teatralnaya (Line 2) and Okhotny Ryad (Line 1) stations, all within a 5-minute walk.
• Accessibility: elevators between levels, flat marble floors, strollers and wheelchairs can navigate without difficulty.

When to visit

GUM is worth visiting year-round, but two periods stand out. In December and January, the facade is entirely illuminated and the Red Square ice rink is set up right in front: it's the most photogenic season, despite the cold. In spring and summer, the interior fountain is in bloom and the rooftop cafe terraces offer sweeping views over the galleries. Late afternoons and weekends are busiest; for a quieter visit, choose a weekday morning.

Nearby attractions

• Saint Basil's Cathedral, at the southern end of Red Square.
• The Kremlin and its cathedrals, just across the square.
• Lenin's Mausoleum, on Red Square itself.
• The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, about 15 minutes' walk to the west.
• A Radisson cruise on the Moskva River to see the city from the water.

Frequently asked questions

Include GUM in your Russia trip

GUM fits naturally into a day devoted to the historic heart of Moscow, between the Kremlin, Red Square and the Moskva riverfront. To plan a complete itinerary, consult our Russia travel ideas.