Moscow: A Different Europe

European cities are very well known for their elegant display of culture and arts. This is pretty much true when one realizes that almost, if not all of the major cities have artistic or cultural venues of all sorts. These, of course, include numerous museums, landmarks, libraries, universities, operas and orchestra. Moscow, Russia is certainly not to be left behind the roster of outstanding adherence to the European sense of aesthetics and culture.

A primary point of interest in Moscow is its wide array of museums. In this city, the museums hold vast and priceless collections. The classic Russian art collection can be found at the Tretyakovskaya Gallery while the modern art of the country could be found at the New Gallery. Both galleries are housed under the Tretyakov Gallery. In between the Red and the Manege Squares is the State Historical Museum that highlights the history of Russia. Rare originals of Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet’s works are available for viewing at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. The industrial advancement of Russia is also well documented at the Polytechnical Museum.

Same with its neighboring German speaking cities that are very particular with the performing arts, Moscow has much to offer at the stage. Among its many theaters are the Moscow Art, Vakhtangov, Malyi and Bolshoi Theaters. The latest addition to the abovementioned stages is the Moscow International House of Music.

For individuals who prefer to be entertained by fairs and animal and acrobatic shows, two of the largest circus companies are based in Moscow. These are the Moscow State Circus and the Moscow Circus.

Although Moscow doesn’t have exceptionally outstanding landmarks like the Eiffel, the Grand Canal and the Alps, it has a vast offering for tourists. This is especially true with the fact that the city has a total of ninety six parks and eighteen gardens. The more popular of these parks include the Central Park of Culture and Rest, the Izmaylovkiy, Sokolniki, Losiny Ostrov National Parks and the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences.

Perhaps the most famous edifice in Moscow is the Kremlin which is a World Heritage Site together with the Red Square, the Kolomenskoye and the Church of the Ascension.

Other places of interest in Moscow include the Moscow Zoo, the Novodevichy Convent, the Patriarshiye Ponds, the Ostankino Palace, the Ice Palace, the Central Moscow Hippodrome and the All-Russia Exhibition Centre Golden Fountain.