In 1918, St. Basil's Cathedral one of the first was placed under state protection as a monument of national and global significance. From that moment began its museumification. The first superintendent was the Archpriest John Kuznetsov – a tireless researcher and expert in the cathedral.
In the years after the Revolution the cathedral was in distress. In many places, the roof was leaking, windows were broken, even within the churches winter covered with snow. John Kuznetsov alone heroically maintained order in the cathedral. In 1923 the decision to establish in the Cathedral Historical and Architectural Museum. Its first head was Researcher of the Historical Museum E. Silin. May 21 the museum was opened to visitors. Began active acquisition funds. Five years later, the museum "Pokrovsky Cathedral" became a branch of the State Historical Museum. It retains this status and the present time. Despite the constant restoration work, which are carried out in the cathedral for nearly a century, the museum is always open to visitors. Only in the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War it was closed.
Immediately after the war started to work systematically to restore the cathedral, and September 7, 1947, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Moscow, the museum reopened. Long-term joint efforts of scientists and conservators have made St. Basil's Cathedral in one of the largest historical – architectural museums in the country. He is widely known not only in Russia but also far beyond its borders. Since 1991, St. Basil's Cathedral is shared by the museum and the Russian Orthodox Church. After a long break in the temple resumed service.
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 10.00 – 19.00
Cashier: 10.00 – 18.30
Seven days a week
Friends, we draw your attention to the fact that the time and days of the Museum of the Pokrovsky Cathedral, St. Basil's Cathedral can vary, so we recommend to call before visiting +7 (495) 698 – 33 – 04.
