The Kremlin houses two museums with rare and invaluable treasures: the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund.
• Armory Chamber: This museum is famous for its collection of Fabergé eggs, the Crown of Monomakh (the coronation crown of the Tsars), royal clothing, and carriages, rather than just weapons.
• Diamond Fund: As the name suggests, this museum houses precious diamond-studded items, including the Tsar’s Diamond Crown, a diamond scepter, diamond orders, and the Persian Shah’s diamond. The brilliance of these treasures is sure to dazzle visitors.
Both museums are located on the southwest side of the Kremlin and can be accessed via the Borovitskaya Tower (Борови́цкая ба́шня). Separate tickets are required, and entry is controlled by timed slots.
A full visit to all the accessible parts of the Kremlin, including the exhibitions, will take at least one whole day. A quick tour of the two squares and three main cathedrals will take around two hours.
How to Get There
• Metro:
• Line 1 (Red Line) to Lenin Library Station (Библиотека им. Ленина)
• Line 2 (Blue Line) to Teatralnaya Station (Театральная)
• Line 3 (Brown Line) to Arbat Station (Арбатская)
• Line 4 (Orange Line) to Alexander Garden Station (Александровский сад)
• Line 9 (Purple Line) to Borovitskaya Station (Боровицкая)
• Bus: Routes K, 12ц
• Trolleybus: Routes 1, 2, 12, 44
Opening Hours
• Daily (except Thursday): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket sales: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Diamond Fund closed for lunch from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Bell Tower Times: 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
• Armory Chamber Times: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
Ticket Prices
• General Ticket (includes churches and temporary exhibitions):
• Adult: 350 rubles
• Student: 150 rubles
• General Ticket + Bell Tower:
• Adult: 500 rubles
• Student: 250 rubles
• Armory Chamber (tickets sold at Alexander Garden):
• Adult: 700 rubles
• Student: 200 rubles
• Diamond Fund (tickets sold at Alexander Garden):
• Adult: 500 rubles
• Student: 100 rubles
Bag Storage Tips
• You will have to go through security before entering the Kremlin, and large bags are not allowed.
• There are storage facilities near the entrance.
• Small purses and crossbody bags are permitted.
• Since you’ll likely be touring for several hours, especially if you plan to visit the Armory and Diamond Fund, remember to bring some snacks in your small bag, as there are no food vendors inside.
Performance Times
1. Saturdays, April to October: At noon, the Presidential Guard performs an impressive cavalry and infantry drill on Cathedral Square. Be sure to find a good viewing spot in advance! On performance days, the Bell Tower is closed to visitors.
2. Ticket Availability: Tickets for the Bell Tower, Armory Chamber, and Diamond Fund can be in high demand, so it’s best to purchase them early and leave ample time for your visit.
3. Closed Areas: The Government Building and the Parliament Building are not open to tourists.
A visit to the Kremlin is a journey through Russian history and culture, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the tsars and the power that shaped the nation. Make sure to plan ahead and enjoy all the incredible treasures this site has to offer!