The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is one of the largest museums in the world. Its exhibits span collections from the 10th century to the 20th century, providing a close look at how Russia developed from its early years to how it stands today.
The gallery was named after Pavel Tretyakov, the museum’s founder. Tretyakov, an affluent Moscow merchant in the 1850s, had a patriotic passion for collecting historic Russian artifacts and paintings. He housed his collections in his estate in Lavrushinsky lane, which is now the Tretyakov Gallery.
The Tretyakov Gallery is now a very important center for science, art, culture, and education in Russia. Its abundant and valuable collection of Russian icons, paintings, and sculptures is rich with history. Who would have thought that all this started with just a merchant’s patriotic hobby?