Museum of Modern Art (Moscow)

The Museum of Modern Art is Russia’s first state art gallery dedicated to art from the 20th and 21st centuries and in just over a decade since its opening has become a modern art museum of world renown. Its main site is housed in an imposing 18th century mansion in the heart of Moscow city centre and features a wealth of modern art from every genre. It focuses on Russian artists and also plays a prominent role in the local art scene. Art buffs on cheap city breaks in Moscow can browse eye catching avant garde paintings, sculpture, photography and media installations from hundreds of different artists.

 

In addition to iconic works by celebrated Russian artists such as Boris Orlov and Vladimir Dubossarsky, there are more familiar paintings by the likes of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Definitely worth browsing is a comprehensive collection of socialist realism and non-conformist art from the 1930s up to the end of the Soviet era. Of particular note is the sheer exuberance of some of the more modern works on display and while on short breaks in Moscow, you can delve into surreal imagery, wacky industrial style sculpture and thought provoking video art here.

 

Apart from its permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions, there is the opportunity to learn about the role of art in Russian society through film screenings, lectures and creative workshops and when on weekend breaks in Moscow, you could do a lot worse than take a comprehensive guided tour of the museum. There are also audio tours that cater specifically for children, highlighting the most extravagant artworks in the collection that are sure to be a big hit with avid young art lovers.