Spaces like the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Moscow Museum of Modern Art attract thousands of visitors every day. However, art lovers have so much more to explore when they visit the cosmopolitan Russian capital.
A wealth of private art galleries bring international exhibitions in focus in front of the Russian public. Some focus on contemporary art, attempting to discover new talent, others take pride in exhibiting established names. Whatever you long to see, there’s always something for you in this short roundup.
Institute of Russian Realist Art (IRRA)
The Institute of Russian Realist Art is just what its name implies – an establishment where lovers of Russian art can appreciate the “public and social traditions of Russian artistic patronage,” as IRRA puts it. It was founded in 2011 around the private collection of Aleksei Ananyev. It expanded quickly, and today it boasts more than 500 works of Russian and Soviet art.
The permanent collection is housed inside a historic cotton-printing factory from the 19th century. The building was renovated and repurposed to safeguard works signed by the likes of Arkady Plastov, Sergey Gerasimov, Alexander Deineka, Yury Pimenov, Georgy Nissky, and Isaak Brodsky among many others.
Stella Art Foundation
Stella Kesaeva’s labor of love, Stella Art Foundation, is a contemporary space that aims to support young Russian artists. It promotes cultural exchange and organizes competitions to discover new Russian talent every year. Since 2010, the venue also hosts “Evenings at Skaryatiniskiy” poetry events curated by poet Lev Rubinstein.
K35 Art Gallery
K35 Art Gallery promotes both established Russian artists, as well as emerging talent, welcoming international names too. The gallery was founded in 2008 and since it hosted countless exhibitions and educational events like meetings with artists, Q&A with curators, art movies screenings, master classes, and more.
RuArts Gallery
RuArts Gallery is a contemporary space founded in 2004 by Marianna Sardarova. It’s one of the largest galleries of its kind in Moscow and it enjoys a central location in the same district as The State Tretyakov Gallery. RuArts brought to Moscow expositions of world-renowned artists such as Spencer Tunick, Erwin Olaf, Nobuko Watabiki, Herve Ic, and Kimiko Yoshida. It currently represents Semeon Agroskin, Dmitri Aske, Sergey Anufriev, Sergei Borisov, Vita Buivid, Alexander Zakharov, Alexey Luka, Marat Morik, Misha Buryj, Tatiana Podmarkova, Dmitry Tsvetkov, Alina & Jeff Bliumis, Spencer Tunick, and Kimiko Yoshida.
Triumph Gallery
Founded by Emelyan Zakharov and Dmitry Khankin in 2006, Triumph Gallery welcomes both Russian and international artists. Alexander Brodsky, Vladimir Dubossarsky, Alexander Vinogradov, Damien Hirst, Max Sher, and Tanatos Banionis, are among the most prestigious names whose works were exhibited at Triumph.
Zaryadye is Moscow’s newest urban park, a wonder of landscaping, inaugurated in September 2017. It is a massive endeavor, spreading over 13 hectares a five-minute walk from the famous Red Square in the heart of Moscow.
Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka enjoys a central location in the Basmanny district of the Russian capital. When you stay with us, you are close to many interesting cultural and architectural landmarks. Here are the top attractions that can be reached on foot in fifteen minutes or less.
Millions of people say; “there’s no place like Moscow during the Christmas season.” While there may be some argument on this, the color and pageantry Russia’s capital are adorned with are on par with anyplace on Earth. But when locals and visitors take to ice skates, the city has no equal for its outdoor ice skating rinks. Here’s a short review of five of the best.
Mamaison Recommends: some of the most interesting things to do and see this December and holiday season in Moscow. Whether you stay at Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka or elsewhere in the beautiful Russian capital, here are the things that will make your vacation a superlative experience.
Although the Moscow Halloween is not a tradition recognized by the church and religious groups and conservative politicians try to ban it in Russia, you will find out that many Russian enjoy marking the event with parties, decorations, themed-food, and festivals.
Music on the Water aboard Maestro.
Moscow is such a fascinating city if you visit it like a local. This summer is interesting for outdoors enthusiasts who like music as they can embark on the Maestro to admire the summer panoramas of the Moscow River and to enjoy concerts under the naked skies.
Moscow is a fascinating city, with enough to see and do to keep you busy for years. Besides the attractions heavily advertised by travel guides, like the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square, the fantastic Tretyakov Gallery, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Novodevichy Convent, and
Gorky Park to mention a few, there are newer attractions to enjoy this summer.
The Moskvarium is an oceanography and marine biology center, the largest of its kind in Europe. The massive landmark, which opened in 2015, is already among the top things to see with children. It has a 2300-seat auditorium, which offers water shows with three-dimensional projections of whales, dolphins, and other fascinating creatures. You can also visit the Moskvarium to swim with the dolphins.
Another fun attraction to see with children is the Roller Family, a roller skates school with indoor spaces at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, perfect to practice year round. The school offers both group and private lessons for adults and children.
Europe’s largest indoor water park, Kva-Kva Park, offers a wonderful playground for children, large pools, jacuzzi, lagoon and a special “Children’s Town” area with pools heated at 34°C to offer a pleasant environment for little guests to play. The sauna complex of the park includes four saunas, spa pools, Turkish bath, and a cooling zone.
Equestrian center and sports complex KSK Bitsa is a wonderful choice for horseback riding tours. The complex also features a well-equipped fitness center, archery training facilities and classes for all skill levels, a swimming pool with six lanes, and a shooting range.
Spa by Algotherm at Mamaison Hotel Pokrovka is an urban oasis, with excellent natural algotherapy treatments for face and body, thalassotherapy, hammam, Russian sauna, and even a Moroccan Rhassoul steam room, alongside 8 treatment rooms and other facilities. Spa by Algotherm brings mind, body and spirit into balance with natural European and Asian spa treatments, luxurious pampering packages, and even natural beauty treatments for your hair. All spa treatments are designed by expert therapists, with a better you in mind.
