The development of Russian civilization, from the early Neanderthal stirrings to the formation of the Kievan Rus, is exhibited here, giving a good idea of what the first and most ferocious tribes to roam the Russian plains actually looked like.
It was founded in the 19th century on public initiative. It is the national treasury of Russia, which reflects the main pages in the Russian history and culture from the earliest times up to our days. The museum collection with 4,5 million exhibits includes the masterpieces of Russian, West European and Oriental jewelry, unique collections of semiprecious stones, porcelain and glass, gold and silver items, paintings. This beautiful red building stands at the west end of Red Square, the Museum was built in the 1870's and opened by Tsar Alexander III is full of decorative turrets which holds inside the history of Russia from from fantastic decorations to present day.
National Historical Museum (Nationalny Istorichesky Muzei) is the intricately paneled and turreted crimson building on Red Square is the official repository of Russian historic artifacts, though Tretyakov Gallery and the Kremlin provide richer pictures of the country's 1,200-year-old history. The Historical Museum reopened in the 1990s after renovation, and hawkers lure tourists in from the throngs on Red Square, but the exhibits are labeled in Russian only, and maps and tours in other languages are scarce. An audioguide in English is promised to arrive soon. Several exhibit halls remain closed to the public. The whole museum takes about an hour to tour. It's an impressive collection of garments, manuscripts, and weaponry from centuries past. The restaurant 1 Red Square, on the second floor, is a deluxe dining choice in a prime location.
