Underground Printing House of 1905-1906

The Underground Printing House of 1905-1906 is a fascinating museum hidden beneath a former shop on Lesnaya Street in central Moscow. This clandestine press was operated by the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party during the tumultuous years of the first Russian Revolution. Visitors descend into a narrow, dimly lit basement where original printing equipment, including a rare German printing press, is preserved. The museum recreates the secret workspace with wax figures of workers and period documents, offering a vivid glimpse into the risky world of underground political activism. The cramped conditions and hidden entrance (once disguised as a storage room) highlight the constant threat of police raids. Exhibits explain how the press produced leaflets and newspapers that fueled revolutionary ideas across Moscow. A visit here provides a tangible connection to Russia's revolutionary past, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts exploring the city's lesser-known sites.

Don't miss

• Original German printing press used to produce revolutionary leaflets
• Wax figures depicting workers and the secret printing process
• Hidden entrance and cramped basement recreating the clandestine atmosphere
• Exhibits on the 1905 Russian Revolution and underground activism
• Historical documents and photographs from the period

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Underground Printing House of 1905-1906

Cheapest way inInteractive Guided Tour of Printing History4.9★ · 24 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →Most bookedDiscover Montreal's Underground City - Reso4.9★ · 112 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleGulong Gorge Glass Bridge and Underground River Cave Private Tour5★ · 25 travelers6–10 hoursFrom$350 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The basement is dimly lit – take a moment to adjust your eyes to the atmosphere.
• Exhibits are primarily in Russian; bring a translation app or guide if you don't read Russian.
• Photography is usually allowed, but flash may be prohibited to protect artifacts.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be standing and walking on uneven floors.

A bit of history

Established in 1905 by the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, this underground press operated secretly for about a year, printing revolutionary materials. It was discovered by the Okhrana (tsarist secret police) in 1906, but its operators escaped. The site was later turned into a museum, preserving the original equipment and atmosphere of the revolutionary underground.