The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

i was floored by this collection. russia has had amazing artists the west has never heard of. no picture taking allowed tho. i gave the atmosphere a 5 because hey, you're in russia!

Want to spend a good half day in a world class museum? Go to the Tretykov, and wander through the galleries. You can trace Russian History as you progress through the museum. Something for everyone, from busts, to landscapes, to portraits, to statues to icons. Rennaisance to modern. Very little in English, so either buy a guide book, or the audioguide, although it takes a lot longer to do the museum as you stop and listen to each recitation. A couple of blocks from the museum on 16 Pyatnitskaya (right across from the Novokuznetskaya Metro) is Uncle Vanya's Restaurant. Great Russian food, very reasonably priced. Menus in English, and great service. A local's favorite, save room for the Bliny's. Lunch at Uncle Vanya's and an afternoon at the Tretykov is a wonderful way to spend a day in Moscow.