This guide explains how to visit the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow for international travelers: where to go, what to buy, and why planning matters. Many first-time visitors assume it’s one museum building, but the collection is split across several buildings, each with its own ticket. One location can also have different opening conditions than the others, so checking the official site before you travel is essential.
For the classic collection, go to the main building in Lavrushinsky Lane (closed on Mondays). If you also want twentieth-century and Soviet art, plan a separate visit to the New Tretyakov on Krymsky Val.
Quick answer: For the classic collection, go to the main Tretyakov Gallery building in Lavrushinsky Lane on any day except Monday. Plan about 2 to 3 hours. The New Tretyakov (Krymsky Val) and temporary exhibitions are separate buildings and typically require their own tickets—check the official site for current hours and ticket options.
At a Glance
| Total time | At least 2 to 3 hours for the main building, plus the walk from the metro |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | ₽₽ for an adult at the main building (2026 guides); the New Tretyakov, exhibitions and combined tickets are separate |
| Last updated | October 7, 2026 |
What You Need Before You Start
- A ticket for the building you want, since each building sells its own
- Rubles in cash, since foreign bank cards are reported not to work in Russia
- A day other than Monday, when the gallery is closed
- At least 2 to 3 hours for the main building
- A check of whether the New Tretyakov is open, if you want the twentieth-century art
Compare Your Options
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main building in Lavrushinsky Lane (classic collection) | At least 2 to 3 hours | Best choice for first-time visitors. Closed on Mondays; verify the current opening hours on the official website. | |
| Main building + New Tretyakov (same trip) | A full afternoon or longer | Two separate buildings with separate tickets. Build in time to get from Lavrushinsky Lane to Krymsky Val and confirm the New Tretyakov’s current status on the official website. | |
| Temporary exhibitions building | Temporary exhibitions are not automatically included—check whether you need a separate or combined ticket for the dates you plan to go. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the building
The Tretyakov Gallery is spread across multiple buildings. For the classic collection, choose the historic main building in Lavrushinsky Lane. If you want modern and Soviet art, plan a second visit to the New Tretyakov on Krymsky Val. Temporary exhibitions are in separate exhibition spaces (check the official site for the current location).
Tip: If you have time for only one building, pick Lavrushinsky Lane.
Step 2: Check the day and hours
The gallery is closed on Mondays. For everything else, hours vary by building and by day, so check the official website for the day you plan to go.
Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, choose a mid-week morning or early afternoon—then re-check the official hours.
Step 3: Buy your ticket
Buy the ticket for the correct building (and any specific exhibition, if needed). Tickets are sold on the official website and at the ticket desks of each building.
Tip: If your planned visit includes a temporary exhibition, confirm whether it is included in your ticket type before you arrive.
Step 4: Get there by metro
For the main building in Lavrushinsky Lane 10, use the metro stop Tretyakovskaya (Line 6, orange). Expect a short walk with clear street signage; Novokuznetskaya and Polyanka are also workable options depending on where you exit.
Tip: Leave a few extra minutes on your first visit to find the correct entrance on the lane.
Step 5: Plan your route in advance
Once inside the main building, you’ll be met with maps/signage that help you choose a route. The collection is spread across many rooms, so it helps to decide your priorities (for example: icons first, then nineteenth-century painting).
Tip: Pick a route before you start; it keeps you from backtracking in a large building.
Step 6: Allocate enough time
Give yourself about 2 to 3 hours for the main building if you want a focused, highlights-based visit. If you also plan the New Tretyakov, keep the day flexible—transit and separate entry add time.
Tip: If you’re combining buildings, treat the second location as a separate “half-day” rather than trying to do everything back-to-back.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going on Monday: the gallery is closed that day.
- Assuming it is one building: the main building, the New Tretyakov, and temporary-exhibitions spaces are separate and usually have separate tickets.
- Choosing the wrong address: Lavrushinsky Lane is the main building; Krymsky Val is the New Tretyakov.
- Missing temporary-exhibition details: some exhibitions require a separate or combined ticket—check before you arrive.
- Underestimating time: the main building is large enough that 2 to 3 hours is a more realistic minimum than “just one hour.”
Tickets, Payment and Booking
Tickets are available via the gallery’s official site (tretyakovgallery.ru) and at the ticket desks of the relevant buildings.
Because the Tretyakov Gallery spans several buildings, buy the ticket for the building (and exhibition) you want to see. Temporary exhibitions may require a separate ticket or a combined option—check the current ticket listings on the official website before you travel.
Opening hours and ticket prices change, so rely on the official site for the latest information.
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Moscow Vibes Tips
- Check the official website the day before you go: the gallery’s multi-building setup means hours and ticket requirements can differ across locations.
- When you arrive, confirm you’re entering the correct building for your ticket—Lavrushinsky Lane and Krymsky Val are different places.
- If your schedule is tight, choose either the classic main building or the New Tretyakov; combining both is smoother with a longer day.
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FAQ
Which day is the Tretyakov Gallery closed?
Monday. On other days it is open, but hours vary by building and can change—check the official website before you go.
Which building should I visit for the classic collection?
The main Tretyakov Gallery building in Lavrushinsky Lane (historic Tretyakov collection, from icons through Russian painting).
Is the New Tretyakov included in the same ticket?
Usually not. The New Tretyakov is a separate building with its own ticket, and temporary exhibitions may require a separate or combined ticket.
Which metro station is nearest?
Tretyakovskaya (Line 6, orange) is the closest for the Lavrushinsky Lane building; plan a short walk from there. Novokuznetskaya and Polyanka are also workable alternatives.
How long should I plan?
Plan about 2 to 3 hours for the main building if you want to see the highlights without rushing.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
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About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
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