Armoury

Lonely Planet review

The Armoury dates back to 1511, when it was founded under Vasily III to manufacture and store weapons, imperial arms and regalia for the royal court. Later it also produced jewellery, icon frames and embroidery.

During the reign of Peter the Great, all craftsmen, goldsmiths and silversmiths were sent to St Petersburg and the armoury became a mere museum storing the royal treasures. A fire in 1737 destroyed many of the items. In the early 19th century, new premises were built for the collection. Much of it, however, never made it back from Nizhny Novgorod, where it was sent for safekeeping during Napoleon's invasion in 1812.

Still another building to house the collection was completed in 1851, but it was later demolished to make way for the Palace of Congresses. Which is why the Armoury is now housed in the Great Kremlin Palace. Despite the disasters befallen this collection throughout the centuries, the Armoury still contains plenty of treasures for ogling, and remains a highlight of a visit to the Kremlin.

The exhibit starts upstairs; your ticket will specify a time for entry.