Zurab Tseretelli's Art Gallery

Zurab Tseretelli's Art Gallery, housed in a grand 18th-century mansion on Prechistenka Street, offers an intimate look at one of Russia's most prolific and controversial contemporary artists. Tseretelli, known for his colossal public monuments (like the Peter the Great statue in Moscow), fills this space with a dizzying array of works: towering bronze sculptures, colorful enamel panels, and large-scale canvases that blend socialist realism with folk motifs. The gallery feels like a personal museum, with rooms dedicated to different periods of his career. Visitors can trace his evolution from early, more restrained works to the exuberant, larger-than-life pieces that define his later style. The building itself is a highlight, a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion with ornate ceilings and parquet floors. What makes this gallery distinctive is its unapologetic celebration of Tseretelli's vision; there's no curation, just a dense, overwhelming display of his output. Some find it chaotic, others find it fascinating. The garden outside features a few of his monumental sculptures, including a whimsical bronze tree. It's a must for contemporary art lovers and those curious about Russia's post-Soviet art scene.

Da non perdere

• Marvel at the giant bronze sculptures in the courtyard, including the playful 'Tree of Tales'.
• Explore the enamel works, vibrant, intricate panels that are a signature of Tseretelli's craft.
• View the monumental painting 'The History of Russia' spanning an entire wall.
• Admire the restored interiors of the 18th-century mansion, with its grand staircase and stucco moldings.
• Check the rotating exhibition of works from the artist's private collection, including pieces by other Russian artists.

Biglietti e tour

Modi per visitare Zurab Tseretelli's Art Gallery

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• The gallery is closed on Mondays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
• Photography is allowed without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
• Audio guides are available in Russian and English. Download the app in advance for a self-guided tour.
• There is a cloakroom where you must leave large bags and coats.

Un po' di storia

The mansion was originally built for the wealthy merchant family of the 18th century. It later housed various institutions before being converted into a gallery for Tseretelli's works. The artist himself is a former president of the Russian Academy of Arts and has been a dominant figure in Moscow's public art since the 1990s.