Along Krymsky Val embankment, facing Gorky Park, the New Tretyakov Gallery holds the world's largest collection of 20th-century Russian art. Built in 1985 in late Soviet style, it complements the historic Lavrushinsky Pereulok building by covering the avant-garde, socialist realism, and contemporary art. This is where you'll find works by Kandinsky, Malevich, Chagall, and Rodchenko—a unique panorama of Russian modernity.

Practical information at a glance

• Admission: paid (discounts for students and retirees); free on the third Sunday of the month for Russian citizens
• Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours for permanent collections
• Access: metro line 5 (Oktyabrskaya), exit toward Gorky Park—a few minutes on foot
• Dress code: no restrictions
• Photography: permitted in permanent collections without flash or tripod; some temporary exhibitions prohibit it
• Accessibility: elevators and ramps available in the main building

What to see

The permanent collections span Russian art from 1900 to the present, distributed across several floors. The heart of the tour focuses on the avant-garde of the 1910s–1930s: Malevich's suprematism, Rodchenko's constructivism, Kandinsky's abstract compositions. The following galleries document socialist realism under Stalin, then Soviet unofficial art of the 1960s–1980s.

History and context

The Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by merchant Pavel Tretyakov, who bequeathed his collection to Moscow in 1892. Faced with an influx of modern works in the 20th century, a second building was constructed on Krymsky Val and opened in 1985. It now houses all art after 1900, while the historic Lavrushinsky Pereulok building preserves ancient and 19th-century Russian art.

Highlights of the visit

Russian avant-garde

Malevich's Black Square (1915) is displayed here in its definitive version. Surrounding it, canvases by Popova, Lissitzky, and Tatlin recreate the creative ferment of this era. These galleries constitute one of the world's finest documented avant-garde ensembles.

Kandinsky and abstraction

Several major compositions by Wassily Kandinsky punctuate the tour, tracing his evolution from Munich to Paris. The restrained presentation of the galleries lets the works speak without curatorial excess.

Socialist realism

Often overlooked abroad, this monumental collection reveals Soviet visual propaganda in all its technical mastery. The large-scale works of Alexandr Deineka and Yuri Pimenov offer a striking historical counterpoint to the neighboring avant-garde.

Temporary exhibitions

The building regularly hosts major international retrospectives. The program changes several times a year; check the official website calendar before your visit.

Photography tips

Natural light is sparse in the interior galleries—favor a high ISO setting without flash. The exterior of the building, with its concrete façade and views over Gorky Park, photographs well in late afternoon. Check restrictions specific to each temporary exhibition at the entrance.

Location and access

The museum stands on Krymsky Val in the Yakimanka district, along the edge of Gorky Park. Oktyabrskaya station (lines 5 and 6) is the nearest metro stop. The Museum of Modern Art in Moscow and the historic Tretyakov Gallery building at Lavrushinsky Pereulok naturally complement the visit. English-speaking guided tours are offered by select local agencies partnering with Nomadays.

In the surroundings

• Gorky Park — iconic urban park just across the street, ideal for a break after your visit.
• Historic Tretyakov Gallery — the original building preserves Russian art from the 9th to 19th centuries, a few minutes by metro.
• Museum of Modern Art Moscow (MMOMA) — another hub of contemporary Russian art, downtown.
• Christ the Savior Cathedral — a short walk along the Moskva River.