The Andrei Rublev Museum of Ancient Russian Art

This unique museum is the resting place for some of the most precious examples of Russian Orthodox art.

This incomparable and unusual museum lies in the ground of the Andronikov Monastery, which was founded in the 14^th century and long considered one of Russia's most important religious centres, involved in many of the country's defining historical and cultural events.

Within the walls of the monastery is the Cathedral of The Saviour, built at the start of the 15^th century and decorated by the legendary icon painter Andrei Rublev. His celebrated works take centre stage in the museum, too.

The museum's collection also contains the greatest icons gathered from all over central and northern Russia. Here you'll find the richest collection of icons from the Moscow, Tver' and Northern schools of the 14^th to the 19^th century. Experts also praise the fragments of monumental religious art and the ancient wooden sculptures on display.

Opening hours: Daily - 11:00 to 18:00, except Wednesdays and the last Friday of each month.

Christianity was brought to old Rus from Byzantium in 988. As the new religion spread, examples of mosaics and frescoes depicting the saints began to appear. The works were executed on wood using tempera - paints made from a mix of mineral colours, egg yolk and water, and then varnished. If the work was spoiled, then the artist would usually simply paint a new icon on top of the old.

During the last century, interest began in the restoration of ancient icons, and many of these ancient masterpieces were discovered under layers of dirt and later paint. Surprisingly, they were very well preserved. Icons were usually encased in rich frames of gold or silver, encrusted with precious stones. The most important quality for an icon was its ability to transmit a feeling of ecstasy and heavenliness. To attain these aesthetic goals, the painters used established techniques: the images of the saints were executed in a particular range of colours, and always appeared to be flat.

Few of the names of these ancient craftsmen have survived to this day but, undoubtedly, one of the most famous and talented icon painters was Andrei Rublev, celebrated in Tarkovsky's famous film, in whose honour the Museum of Ancient Russian Art is named. Andrei Rublev lived and worked as a monk in the St Andronicus Monastery, and is also buried here.

Address: 10, Andronevskaya Ploshad, Moscow, 105120, Russia
Telephone: +7 (495) 678-1467
Transport: Ploshad' Il'icha and Taganskaya Metro stations