The Armoury in the Moscow Kremlin

The Armoury in the Moscow Kremlin is one of the oldest museums in our country. Its collection consists of items of the applied arts from the X–XIX centuries, and comprises works of the best Russian and foreign craftsmen.

The Armoury came to existence already in the XV as a treasury of the Grand Princes; in the XIX century it was transformed into official state museum. In 1804–1805 its treasures underwent the first major inspection, the first book about the history of the Armoury was printed and a special museum building for its collections erected. The new building built in 1851 from the design of architect K. Thon houses the collections in its nine halls up to nowadays. During the Soviet period the Armoury became a treasury museum of state importance.

The Armoury displays collections of Russian and Western weapons both combat and ceremonial, ancient armour. West Europian silver, English, German, Dutch and French artworks brought to Russia as diplomatic gifts by foreign envoys.

The collection of Russian gold and silver ware from the XII–XIX centuries is one of the largest and most interesting ones both in the Armoury and the world in general. Precious tableware, cult objects and jewellery give a good idea of multitudiness of forms and ornamentation, illustrate the high level of ancient silversmithing.

The Armoury holds a unique collection of precious fabrics, clothes of the clergy, and vestments decorated with embroidery. The collection of the Cavarly Treasury has a great artistic and historic value too.

The unique array of Royal regalia including thrones, crowns, scepters, orbs, crosiers and coronation dresses forms a sizable section of the exposition.

This set of postcards shows the most outstanding exhibits which give an idea of the collection in its variety and richness and characterize the skill of Russian craftsmen.