9 February: Celebrating Anniversary of Russian State Historical Museum

OV Digital Desk
4 Min Read
State Historical Museum

Image Courtesy: Google Doodle

The State Historical Museum of Russia, also known as the Museum of Russian History, is located in Red Square in Moscow, Russia. It was established on 9 February 1872 and is one of the oldest and largest history museums in the country.

On 9 February 2022, Google observed the 150th anniversary of the State Historical Museum with a doodle.

The museum has a rich collection of over 4 million items, including manuscripts, artifacts, and works of art, that cover the entire history of Russia, from ancient times to the present day. The exhibits range from archaeological finds and medieval manuscripts to priceless works of art and historical artifacts from the reigns of the tsars.

The State Historical Museum of Russia is also famous for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of medieval and Byzantine styles. The museum has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years and today it stands as a magnificent landmark in Red Square, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The museum’s mission is to preserve, study, and display the rich cultural and historical heritage of Russia, and to educate the public about the country’s past and present.

Its 39 halls contain relics such as an excavated longboat, Scythian gold artifacts, glass and ceramic masterpieces, possessions of Tsars such as Ivan IV the Terrible and Peter I, and birch bark manuscripts from Novgorod, Russia’s first city. Over 4.5 million pieces of Russian history and culture are displayed in various themed exhibitions, including the largest collection of coins in the world. A comprehensive genealogical tree of Russian rulers, accompanied by their portraits, is one of the museum’s centerpieces.

During the period 1986 to 1997, the giant crimson museum was restored, allowing visitors to see the building’s former glory. Rare artifacts found nowhere else in Russia are included in the museum’s permanent collection, including maps, iconography, engravings, early printed books, ancient textiles, and masterful works of art.

History of State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum of Russia was established in 1872 by the decision of Emperor Alexander II as part of a larger project to preserve and study Russia’s historical and cultural heritage. Initially, the museum was housed in the Main Building of Moscow University, but it was soon relocated to its current location in Red Square, in a building that was specifically designed for it.

The museum’s collections have been accumulated over many years through various means, including purchases, donations, and archaeological excavations. Today, the museum’s collections encompass over 4 million items, including manuscripts, artifacts, works of art, and historical objects that cover the entire history of Russia, from ancient times to the present day.

During the Soviet era, the State Historical Museum underwent several major renovations and restorations, which helped to preserve its historic character and improve its facilities. Despite these efforts, the museum faced significant challenges in the post-Soviet period, including funding cuts and reduced public interest.

However, in recent years, the museum has seen a resurgence in popularity and has been the recipient of significant investment. Today, it stands as one of the premier history museums in Russia, attracting millions of visitors each year and playing a key role in the preservation and study of the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

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