The Palace of Armories is one of the richest museums in the Kremlin of Moscow. It houses a collection of ceremonial objects, precious metalwork, weapons and carriages accumulated by the princes and then the Russian tsars from the 12th to the early 20th century. A visit in its own right, with a separate ticket and limited entry time slots.

Why visit the Palace of Armories

The museum brings together unique objects from Russian history: crowns, thrones, court costumes, ceremonial weapons, imperial carriages and Fabergé eggs. Here you will find the throne of Ivan the Terrible, the Cap of Vladimir Monomakh (used during coronations), the Orlov Diamond and the ceremonial carriage of Empress Anne. The collection of Fabergé eggs, commissioned by the Romanovs, completes the ensemble.

Unlike other buildings in the Kremlin, access is controlled: a separate ticket, a fixed time slot and a limited number of visitors per session. This makes for a more peaceful visit than most Moscow museums.

History of the building

The present Palace was built between 1841 and 1851 according to plans by architect Konstantin Thon, who also designed the neighboring Grand Palace of the Kremlin and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. More than ten years of construction were needed to complete this neo-Russian style ensemble.

The site previously occupied military buildings: an arsenal for weapons manufacturing (cannons, rifles) and storage facilities. From the 19th century onwards, the princes and then the tsars deposited their personal collections there, gradually transforming the arsenal into a treasury of treasures. The military role faded, the museum role took precedence.

What to see inside

The tour is organized into 9 thematic rooms spread over two floors:

• Room 1: Russian precious metalwork and objects, 12th-17th centuries
• Room 2: precious metalwork from the 17th to early 20th century, including Fabergé eggs
• Room 3: European and Oriental weapons, 15th-19th centuries
• Room 4: Russian weapons, 12th-19th centuries
• Room 5: Western European silverware, 13th-19th centuries
• Room 6: clothing, headdresses and royal and civil costumes, 16th-20th centuries
• Room 7: ceremonial objects of Russian rulers, 13th-18th centuries (thrones, scepters, regalia)
• Room 8: objects for equestrian parades, 16th-18th centuries
• Room 9: carriages and equipages, 16th-18th centuries

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the entire collection at a leisurely pace. The audio guide is useful for understanding the context of regalia and ceremonial weapons.

Practical information

The Palace of Armories is located within the Kremlin enclosure, accessible via the Borovitskaya Tower.

• Booking: essential. The number of visitors is limited per session and tickets sell out quickly. Book online one to two weeks in advance during high season.
• Time slots: visits are at fixed times, with several sessions per day. Check your ticket time and arrive early for security screening.
• Kremlin ticket: the Palace of Armories ticket is sold separately from entry to the cathedrals and Kremlin square. Budget for both if you wish to visit everything.
• Closure day: the museum is generally closed on Thursdays. Please confirm on the official website before your visit.
• Photography: prohibited in the exhibition halls.

Nearby attractions

The Palace of Armories is best visited as part of a full day at the Kremlin and Red Square:

• The Kremlin: cathedrals, interior squares and towers, to combine with the Palace of Armories.
• Red Square: right next door, with Saint Basil's and Lenin's mausoleum.
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour: another work by Konstantin Thon, 15 minutes on foot.
• Kolomenskoye: former estate of the tsars, to continue the imperial theme.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Palace of Armories is part of a broader discovery of Moscow and its imperial sites. To build an itinerary combining the Kremlin, Red Square and major cathedrals, explore our Russie travels.