The Armory Chamber, part of the Grand Kremlin Palace, is a major museum showcasing gifts from foreign embassies. This name fully reflects the nature of the exhibition, which in 2018 featured 4,000 exhibits, most of which are rarities. Visitors come here to enjoy the exquisite taste of Russian emperors and see masterpieces by domestic and foreign craftsmen, admire jewels and unique museum specimens.

History of the Chamber and the Fire of 1737

Moscow princes treated luxury items with reverence, trying to protect them from the Tatars behind the strong walls of the Kremlin, which became the prototype of the Armory Chamber. Over time, with the increasing number of valuables, the need for a separate storage place arose, and in 1484, the State Treasury was built, effectively a state repository. The treasury was replenished through the plundering of foreign cities and the annexation of new territories, while embassies brought gifts to Moscow.

In 1508, the Armory Chamber was removed from the control of the State Treasury, and under Ivan the Terrible, it was located at the Trinity Gates. Items were used during the coronation of the first Russian tsars, and over the centuries, a whole ceremony developed. The coronation was accompanied by the presentation of the symbol of state power, the scepter, a golden orb with a cross, and the future monarch was crowned with the Monomakh's Cap, a symbol of autocracy in Russia. Later, the presentation of the scepter and the display of the State Shield became mandatory attributes of the coronation.

Under Vasily III, a special office of the armory was established to oversee the chambers, and the work process changed: workshops began producing weapons, creating both cold and firearms, while boyars signed contracts for material supplies from Europe. Meanwhile, artists worked in the treasury, painting royal armor, applying ornamentation, and decorating the Kremlin.

The rise of Peter the Great marked a new impetus for the development of the Armory Chamber. The future emperor modernized the country and waged the Northern War. The Kremlin workshops were bustling with activity, establishing the production of ammunition and restructuring the army in a European manner. In 1720, they were merged with several departments to create the 'Workshop and Armory Chamber.' Peter I prohibited the distribution of products as gifts to the nobility and embassies and conducted an inventory of weapons and luxury items.

The fire of 1737, which occurred on the day of the Holy Trinity, destroyed a quarter of Moscow, devastating the Armory Chambers of the Kremlin. The repository suffered significant damage, the collection of banners was lost, and artistic values and firearms were affected. The institution temporarily moved to the Terem Palace, which miraculously survived, but under Catherine II, the treasury was forgotten, as the empress had a cold attitude towards the collection of luxury items.

Modern History of the Treasury

The transformation of the royal chamber into a museum was completed under Alexander I, who signed a decree in 1806 to create a palace gallery and build a separate building. The idea was realized by Ivan Yegotov, who constructed the building on the site of the former Godunov chambers in Senate Square of the Kremlin. The first floor was adorned with marble columns, while the main hall was located above, housing symbols of state power, including the Monomakh's Cap, and various items and weapons grouped by epochs and wars.

The chamber reopened after reconstruction in 1813, but a Moscow fire and Napoleon's invasion destroyed part of the items. Ordinary people could not enter the museum, with exceptions made only for merchants; the building remained empty, and exhibits deteriorated due to improper storage.

An interesting fact: two fires that destroyed part of the collection led Yegotov to abandon the heating system, resulting in increased humidity. In winter, the walls were covered with frost, and temperature fluctuations contributed to erosion.

In 1849, under the guidance of Konstantin Ton, construction began on a building to save the collection, involving craftsmen Bakarev, Trubnikov, and Chichagov. The work lasted two years, with Ton combining decor from ancient Russian architecture and classicism, creating a Byzantine style with a high plinth and marble columns. The decor emphasized Russia's continuity from Byzantium, symbolizing national identity.

The enfilade rooms of the Armory Chamber were richly decorated, with 9 halls branching from the central axis, where exhibitions were opened. Ton's task was to demonstrate the strength of the army, with walls adorned with medallions featuring portraits of princes and tsars by Fedot Shubin, and captured banners and flags displayed. The museum appeared as a continuation of the Kremlin Palace, impressing with the luxury of its finishes and the richness of its interiors.

After Lenin came to power, the doors of the chamber opened to visitors, and new exhibitions based on confiscated luxury items from the nobility appeared. Later, mass seizures of jewels occurred, followed by sales to Europe, as the young Soviet state needed technology. Over time, attitudes changed, the building underwent reconstruction, and Moscow authorities provided additional space for exhibits in Red Square.

Museum Exhibitions

Nine thematic halls are open to visitors, divided by historical epochs. The museum collaborates with global institutions, holds exhibitions, including outdoors, and lectures are conducted in the lecture hall. Amateur video recording in the Armory Chamber is prohibited.

The exhibition opens with a hall of gold and silver items from the 12th to 17th centuries from Veliky Novgorod. Ancient Russian masters achieved success in medal processing, with the highlight of the collection being a wine vessel used by Archbishop Moses. Icons framed in gold, ornamented items, and painted wine goblets are also presented. The next hall is dedicated to Russian masters of the 17th to 20th centuries, showcasing the complexity of jewelry. Here, one can see gold and silver-inlaid tableware, porcelain cups, and wristwatches.

The third hall is dedicated to European weapons, filled with knightly armor. Many items were gifted to the court by foreign embassies, while the most interesting were captured in wars. Displays are highlighted by countries: France, Sweden, and Byzantium. Next is the section on Russian weapons, featuring a mannequin of a voivode in luxurious attire. Among the unique items are the chainmail of Peter Shuisky, the helmet of Prince Yaroslav, and the armor of the Romanov family. Many exhibits were never used in battle, including daggers and maces.

The Armory Chamber also houses a collection of gift sets from foreign embassies, including Napoleon's service, gifted to Alexander I. The Frenchman met the Russian sovereign on a raft on the Neman River and presented the gift adorned with Egyptian hieroglyphs. Another valuable exhibit is a gift to Godunov from the Persian Shah, decorated with gold and tourmaline.

The following halls amaze guests, as they showcase ceremonial clothing and regalia, part of the Diamond Fund of Russia. At the center of the exhibition are the Monomakh's Cap and the Kazan Cap, as well as the attributes of royal power: scepter, orb, and crown for the coronation of Mikhail Romanov. In addition to symbols of statehood, one can see a collection of dresses and costumes of the nobility.

An interesting fact: the Monomakh's Cap was used during coronations until the reign of Peter the Great.

Next, guests will see a collection of horse harnesses used during the outings of imperial persons. The collection of carriages from all over Europe is impressive, featuring luxurious vehicles with wood carvings. Thus, the chamber is not only a collection of weapons but also an encyclopedia of Russian history, satisfying interest in the art of different eras. The halls house unique exhibits, from English carriages to Fabergé eggs and Catherine's red dress; the museum takes pride in its collection, helping to study the history of Russian art.

Address and Opening Hours

The Armory Chamber is located in the center of Moscow on the territory of the Kremlin, with entrance through the Borovitskaya Tower. The nearest metro stations are 'Lenin Library,' 'Borovitskaya,' 'Alexander Garden,' and 'Arbat.' Tickets can be purchased at the box office near the Kutafya Tower, and advance booking is available on the 'Kremlin Museums' website, which also has up-to-date information about visiting the Annunciation Cathedral. The museum operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every day except Thursday.

Address: Moscow, Moscow Kremlin.

Tours in the Armory Chamber last one and a half hours and are conducted at specific times. The ticket price is 1,000 rubles, with discounted tickets available for those under 18, pensioners, and students under special programs. An audio guide and a mobile app for smartphones are also available.