If I can't make all three, which of the following would be the best to see ---<BR><BR>Armory Palace, Pushkin Museum, or Tretyakov Art Gallery.<BR><BR>From what I can see, Armory Palace costs a good deal more to visit. Is there any reason why?<BR><BR>Appreciate your comments.<BR><BR>Bob

We were too overloaded with culture to visit the Pushkin and Tretyakov when in Moscow last week, but we did see the Armory. We thought we had seen everything when we saw the Vatican, the British Crown Jewels, the Louvre, and the treasures of the Incas -- but they cannot hold a candle to this enormous collection of gold, silver, jewels, thrones, gowns, icons, Faberge eggs, royal coaches, and other goodies of the Russian royals. It leaves you with your mouth wide open in astonishment. We thought all these goodies had been stolen or disappeared in the Revolution -- but, no -- they are all here, guarded by bored-looking, dumpy, elderly women who sit around and wag their fingers at tourists who approach too closely. Photos permitted, with payment of a small fee. Believe us, the Armory (within the Kremlin) is THE greatest stash of wealth that you will ever see! Don't pass it by!

Depends on what your interests are. <BR><BR>The Armory has a wonderful collection of Russian artifacts related to the ruling families (gilded carriages, pearl-covered gowns and Faberge eggs being the most notable examples). The Pushkin (along with the Hermitage) has probably the greatest pre-World War I Picassos and Matisses (as well as other wonderful European and ancient art). The Tretyakov has the greatest collection of icons in the world.

Thx for the excellent critique. This is very helpful.<BR><BR>Bob

I agree with all of the above, though was not able to fit in a visit to Pushkin. However, if you are interested in art, the Tretyakov Gallery is extraordinary since all the works are by Russian artists and most, if not all, are probably unfamiliar to Westerners.

Alexander & Mimi --<BR><BR>Thank you for your tips. I really appreciate it. It helps me complete my planning for our September trip.<BR><BR>Bob

I did all three and enjoyed them. In an order of priority I would put Armoury, then Pushkin and then Tretyakov Gallery. However if you are going or have been to the Hermitage in St Petersburg i would go to the Tretyakov Art Gallery. How does the Russian useum in St Petersburg compare to Puskin and Tretyakov? Is it worth a visit after seeing the others?

The State Russian Museum in St Petersburg has a collection focused on Russian visual art, as does the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. For avant-garde, icons and socialist realism, the Tretyakov wins hands down. For 19th century realism, I think the State Russian Museum has a better collection. As for size of collection, the Tretyakov again is far larger than the State Russian Museum.<BR><BR>The Pushkin in Moscow focuses on European and ancient art, an entirely different area.