Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Foreign Affairs Ministry building is one of Moscow's Seven Sisters, a group of Stalinist skyscrapers built in the 1940s-1950s. Located on Arbat Street near Smolenskaya Metro station, the 172-meter (564-foot) structure dominates the surrounding area with its imposing neoclassical design. The building houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and is not open to the public, but its exterior is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. The facade features a massive central tower with a spire, adorned with Soviet emblems and statues. At night, the building is dramatically lit, making it a striking sight. The surrounding Arbat district is a historic pedestrian zone filled with street performers, cafes, and souvenir shops, offering a vibrant contrast to the building's stern grandeur.

Don't miss

• The grand Stalinist architecture with its central spire and Soviet motifs
• The illuminated facade at night, best viewed from Smolenskaya Square
• Proximity to the historic Arbat Street, perfect for a stroll before or after
• Photo opportunities from the Smolenskaya Metro bridge

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Foreign Affairs Ministry

Cheapest way inT-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights4.9★ · 281 travelers3–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →Best full dayPrivate Beijing Walking Tour of the Forbidden City with 7 Options4.9★ · 704 travelers4–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$86 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblecamp on the Great Wall overnight with sunrise and sunset on the wall5★ · 12 travelers~48 hoursFree cancellationFrom$350 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The best photo spot is from the pedestrian bridge over the Garden Ring road.
• Do not attempt to enter the building – it is a government facility with strict security.
• Combine your visit with other Seven Sisters skyscrapers like Moscow State University or the Ukraine Hotel.
• Visit at dusk to see the building transition from day to night lighting.

A bit of history

Completed in 1953, the building was designed by architects Vladimir Gelfreikh and Adolf Minkus. It was one of the last of the Seven Sisters to be finished. The spire was originally intended to be topped with a statue, but it was never installed due to cost and structural concerns.