"Moscow enjoys the reputation of a generous and hospitable city as well as a city of energetic and practical people. The acquaintance with the Russian capital would be incomplete without a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the first gallery of national art opened in 1856. Preserved in this treasury of art, together with the works of famous Russian painters and sculptors, is the spirit of its early history and the traditions established by its founder Pavel Tretyakov, a merchant and philanthropist, who was an outstanding art connoisseur yet very modest man. The gallery which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2006 has the vitality of youth and goes on developing through time and in space. When Pavel Tretyakov presented his collection to the city of Moscow in 1892, it numbered about 2,000 paintings, sculptures and graphic works. Today, the gallery holds more than 130,000 items. Its exhibition area has been extended several times. The main building is located in quiet...
