Mosfilm

It’s not exactly Universal Studios, but it is the oldest and most established film studio in Russia, responsible for films such as Alexander Nevsky, War & Peace, White Sun of the Desert and Irony of Fate. Make a reservation to book your spot on a 90-minute tour (some tours are in English, so be sure to inquire). The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to stroll around some of the sets, including a quaint rendition of old Moscow and the desolate medieval village that was used in the fantasy thriller Wolfhound (said to be Russia’s version of Lord of the Rings ). There is also an impressive display of old cars, tanks, Rolls Royces and fire engines that are all in working order for use in the films. A costume exhibit features some of the outfits from famous films such as Ruslan & Ludmila and Andrei Rublyov. Otherwise, the display of costumes, masks and make-up is rather half-hearted. Of course, it wouldn’t be Russia without the obligatory exhibit of old equipment, which is mildly amusing. Film buffs should look out for the camera used by Eisenstein to shoot The Battleship Potemkin. To reach Mosfilm take trolleybus 7, 17 or 34 from Kievskaya metro station.