Kremlin Armoury
Quick answer
Kremlin Armoury in Moscow, Russia — the Kremlin Armoury Chamber traces its origins to the Kremlin's royal workshops of the 1500s, where master craftsmen produced arms, armour, and regalia for the Russian tsars. Open Friday to Wednesday: timed sessions only; closed Thursdays. Admission: 1,000 RUB standard admission. Allow 1.5 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Kremlin Armoury at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Friday to Wednesday: timed sessions only |
|---|---|
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Admission | 1,000 RUB standard admission |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 1.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | First timed session of the day (typically 10 AM) — the galleries are quietest and the Fabergé room least crowded. |
| Getting there | Metro: Line 1 to Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Line 4 to Alexandrovsky Sad — 5-minute walk to the Kutafya Tower Kremlin entrance |
| Address | Kremlin, Moscow, 103132 |
| Official website | kreml.ru |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Kremlin Armoury known for?
The Kremlin Armoury Chamber traces its origins to the Kremlin's royal workshops of the 1500s, where master craftsmen produced arms, armour, and regalia for the Russian tsars. Konstantin Thon's purpose-built museum opened on the Kremlin grounds in 1851 and remains the repository of the Russian state's most sacred treasures.
The nine Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs on display — created for the last two Romanov tsars — are among the most exquisite objects ever made. Each egg contains a surprise mechanism: a miniature carriage, a singing bird, or a model train. The eggs were confiscated after the Revolution and only gradually returned to the Armoury collection.
Beyond Fabergé, the museum holds the Cap of Monomakh — the golden skullcap used in the coronation of every Russian tsar from the fifteenth century — alongside thrones, crowns, royal carriages, and arms spanning a millennium of Russian history.
Entry is strictly by timed session — four sessions daily — and tickets must be purchased separately from the general Kremlin grounds ticket. The Diamond Fund, containing the largest gem-quality diamonds in the world, requires an additional ticket and separate entry queue.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Art Lovers
How long do you need at Kremlin Armoury?
Allow 1.5 hours. A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Kremlin Armoury without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Imperial Coronation Egg
📍 Fabergé Gallery
Created for Nicholas II's coronation in 1897 — the egg opens to reveal a replica of the coronation coach with moving wheels, opening doors, and a tiny folding step.
- 2
Cap of Monomakh
📍 Regalia Gallery
The oldest crown of the Russian tsars — a golden skullcap trimmed with sable, used in coronations from Ivan the Terrible onward.
- 3
Monomakh's Throne
📍 Regalia Gallery
An ivory-inlaid wooden throne associated with Ivan the Terrible — its panels carved with scenes of Russian princes and Byzantine emperors, symbolising Moscow as the Third Rome.
- 4
Gold Carriage of Catherine the Great
📍 Carriage Gallery
An enormous gilded state carriage used in coronation processions — one of the most lavish royal vehicles in Europe, restored to its original brilliance.
- 5
Double Throne of Ivan and Peter
📍 Regalia Gallery
A unique throne with two seats — built for the co-reign of Ivan V and the young Peter the Great (later Peter the Great).
What are the must-see works at Kremlin Armoury?
5 highlights that define the collection: Imperial Coronation Egg, Cap of Monomakh, Monomakh's Throne and more.
Imperial Coronation Egg
Carl Fabergé · 1897
📍 Fabergé Gallery
Created for Nicholas II's coronation in 1897 — the egg opens to reveal a replica of the coronation coach with moving wheels, opening doors, and a tiny folding step. One of the most complex mechanisms Fabergé ever made.
Cap of Monomakh
Golden Horde · c. 14th century
📍 Regalia Gallery
The oldest crown of the Russian tsars — a golden skullcap trimmed with sable, used in coronations from Ivan the Terrible onward. The most sacred object in the Russian imperial regalia.
Monomakh's Throne
Russian craftsmen · 1551
📍 Regalia Gallery
An ivory-inlaid wooden throne associated with Ivan the Terrible — its panels carved with scenes of Russian princes and Byzantine emperors, symbolising Moscow as the Third Rome.
Gold Carriage of Catherine the Great
English workshop · 1770s
📍 Carriage Gallery
An enormous gilded state carriage used in coronation processions — one of the most lavish royal vehicles in Europe, restored to its original brilliance.
Double Throne of Ivan and Peter
Russian craftsmen · 1684
📍 Regalia Gallery
A unique throne with two seats — built for the co-reign of Ivan V and the young Peter the Great (later Peter the Great). A small hidden window allowed Regent Sophia to whisper instructions to the tsars.
Collections and highlights
- • Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs — nine Romanov eggs
- • Cap of Monomakh and coronation regalia
- • Royal carriages — gilded state vehicles
- • Arms and armour — medieval to nineteenth century
- • Thrones of Russian tsars
- • Ceremonial costumes and vestments
- • Diamond Fund (separate ticket)
- • Byzantine and Russian liturgical objects
Tips for visiting Kremlin Armoury
- 1.
Best time to visit
First timed session of the day (typically 10 AM) — the galleries are quietest and the Fabergé room least crowded.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Strictly limited by timed sessions — four groups per day. Still crowded within sessions, especially the Fabergé gallery.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Purchase Kremlin grounds ticket plus Armoury timed session at kreml.ru. Diamond Fund requires separate ticket and queue. Book days ahead in peak season.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
No food inside the Kremlin. Cafés on Red Square and in the Alexander Garden outside the walls.
- 5.
Accessibility
Limited — historic building with steps. Contact the Kremlin ticket office in advance for wheelchair access arrangements.
How do you get to Kremlin Armoury?
- metro Line 1 to Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Line 4 to Alexandrovsky Sad — 5-minute walk to the Kutafya Tower Kremlin entrance
- metro Line 2 to Teatralnaya — 10-minute walk through Red Square to the Borovitsky Gate entrance
- walk From Red Square through the Kutafya Tower or Borovitsky Gate — Armoury tickets are purchased at the Kremlin ticket office
Address: Kremlin, Moscow, 103132
Kremlin Armoury: frequently asked questions
Are entry times fixed?
Yes, entry is by timed session four times a day.
Is the Diamond Fund included?
No, the Diamond Fund requires a separate ticket and entry queue.
How long should I spend at Kremlin Armoury?
Plan 1.5 hours for the highlights of Kremlin Armoury. Our 5-stop route — Imperial Coronation Egg, Cap of Monomakh, Monomakh's Throne and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Kremlin Armoury best known for?
The Armoury Chamber's history reaches back to the 1500s as the Tsars' workshop and treasury. Konstantin Thon's purpose-built museum opened on the Kremlin grounds in 1851. Key highlights include Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs — nine Romanov eggs, Cap of Monomakh and coronation regalia, Royal carriages — gilded state vehicles.
How do I get tickets for Kremlin Armoury?
Admission: 1,000 RUB standard admission. Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://www.kreml.ru/en-Us/museums-moscow-kremlin/the-armoury-chamber/
Is the Diamond Fund worth the separate ticket?
The Diamond Fund contains the 190-carat Orlov Diamond and the Imperial Scepre with the Orlov — among the largest gem-quality diamonds in existence. It requires a separate ticket and strict security. Worth it for gem enthusiasts; the Armoury alone is sufficient for most visitors.
How do timed sessions work?
The Armoury admits visitors at four fixed times daily (typically 10 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM). You must arrive at the Armoury entrance at your session time — latecomers are not admitted. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.
Can I visit the Armoury without a Kremlin grounds ticket?
No — the Armoury is inside the Kremlin walls and requires both a general Kremlin admission ticket and a separate Armoury timed-session ticket. Cathedral Square and the Kremlin grounds can be visited with the grounds ticket alone.
Is Kremlin Armoury open on Thursdays?
No — Kremlin Armoury is closed every Thursday. It is open Friday to Wednesday: timed sessions only. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are Kremlin Armoury's opening hours?
Kremlin Armoury is open Friday to Wednesday: timed sessions only, and closed Thursdays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Kremlin Armoury free to visit?
No — standard admission is 1,000 RUB standard admission.
