All-Russia Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Arts - Moscow - TravBuddy

The All-Russia Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Arts is a mouthful to say but it may be an interesting way to spend an hour or more on rainy Moscow day.

The museum has three stories of "folk art" from the 17th century to today. The displays are comprised of ceramics and porcelain, glass, intricately carved wooden furniture, sculpted bronze and ivory and other various Russian "folk art" such as painted wooden spoons, soviet chess sets and of course matrioshka dolls. On the bottom floor of the museum there is, what appears to be, a rotating exhibition. Currently it is filled with displays of contemporary folk art and children's art. The day I went to the museum there were children performing traditional Russian music in traditional folk costumes.

The museum is probably not for everyone and only the most intense fan of ceramics and wood carvings will spend more then an hour walking the halls. I am was not particularly interested in the china or glass work but I found the ivory carvings from Russia's Arctic regions, the intricately carved wooden furniture from the 1600's and Soviet art to be well worth the 50 ruble ($2.00) entrance fee and an hour of my day. My favorite piece in the museum was a Soviet chess set depicting Communism battling Capitalism. The Communist pieces were displayed as the happy workers while the Capitalists were displayed as chained workers, death and a queen corrupted by wealth.

I have to admit the All-Russia Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Arts is not a "MUST SEE" while in Moscow. But if you're looking for something off the beaten path and you have even a remote interest in antique furniture, carved wood and ivory, traditional clothing or art from the Soviet days I'd recommend you spend the $2.00 ($2.00 more if you want to take pictures) and take an hour out of your day to visit this small but unique Russian folk art Museum.