The High-End Garments of the Armoury Chamber
The Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is one of the oldest museums in Moscow and one of the most important museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of precious historical artifacts and works of art. š° Historical Background The history of the Armoury Chamber dates back to the 16th century. Initially, it served as a royal armory and treasury, storing weapons, jewelry, and other valuable items. In 1727, Peter the Great ordered the consolidation of all art repositories and workshops into the "Workshops and Armory," which became the precursor to the museum. In 1806, Alexander I decreed that it be opened to the public. In 1851, the current building was constructed according to the design of architect Konstantin Thon. š Architectural Features The Armoury Chamber is part of the Great Kremlin Palace complex, situated on Borovitsky Hill. Its architectural style blends Russian traditional architecture with classical elements, and its second-floor colonnaded exhibition halls are particularly unique. During the renovation in the 1980s, modern conservation equipment was installed to protect the artifacts. šļø Exhibits The Armoury Chamber houses approximately 4,000 exhibits, ranging from the 4th century to the early 20th century, featuring fine arts and crafts from Russia, Europe, and the East. The exhibits are divided into several themes: ā¢ Symbols of Ancient Royal Power: Including coronation robes, scepters, and crowns of the Tsars. š ā¢ Weapons and Armor: Displaying Russian arms from the 12th to the 19th centuries, such as chain mail, helmets, swords, and sabers. āļø ā¢ Gold and Silverware: A vast collection of exquisite Russian and Western European gold and silver items. š ā¢ Religious Items: Including vestments and icons of the Orthodox Church. š ā¢ Equestrian Equipment and Carriages: Showcasing royal equestrian gear and carriages from the 16th to the 18th centuries. š ā¢ Textiles and Clothing: Featuring valuable textiles and secular Russian clothing from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. š Gallery Layout The Armoury Chamber has nine exhibition halls spread across two floors: ā¢ Hall 1: Russian gold and silver items from the 12th to the early 17th centuries. ā¢ Hall 2: Russian gold and silver items from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. ā¢ Hall 3: European and Eastern ceremonial equipment from the 15th to the 19th centuries. ā¢ Hall 4: Russian weapons from the 12th to the early 19th centuries. ā¢ Hall 5: Western European silverware from the 13th to the 19th centuries. ā¢ Hall 6: Valuable textiles and facial decorations from the 14th to the 18th centuries. ā¢ Hall 7: Ancient symbols of royal power and ceremonial items from the 13th to the 18th centuries. ā¢ Hall 8: Ceremonial equestrian equipment from the 16th to the 18th centuries. ā¢ Hall 9: Carriages from the 16th to the 18th centuries. š #Russia #Moscow #Kremlin #ArmouryChamber #HistoricalMuseum #CulturalHeritage #MuseumVisit #ArtAndCrafts
