This museum, founded in 1703, is the oldest military museum in Russia. It is also one of the most significant military-historical museums in the world. The museum wasn't always located where it can be found today, opposite Peter and Paul's fortress; in the mid-18th century the artillery and military vehicles of the Russian army, its banners, orders and medals were kept in the "Memorial Hall" on Liteiny Prospekt.
Nowadays the museum's exhibitions are a dream for any military lover. There are 13 halls which recount Russia's military history, the development of its arms and armour and the work of military engineers and signallers. There are some unique exhibits which can't be found anywhere else in the world; the first Russian arquebus (late 14th - early 15th centuries) which fired stone, lead or iron cannonballs; a bronze gun cast by Yakov in 1491 (the earliest surviving example of cannon foundry work); a rare collection of seven guns made by Andrei Chokhov in the late 16th century. There is also the largest collection of steel weapons in Europe, including the sabre of Peter the Great and the sword of Alexander I. There are large displays of weaponry and ammunition, firearms and side-arms, military trophies, standards, battle paintings, decorations, uniforms and other relics.
Photo by Photobank Lori
A large part of the museum is devoted to the Patriotic War of 1812, including some of the personal weapons of Napoleon Bonaparte. Upstairs, the entire floor is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, otherwise known as World War II.
In the courtyard outside you can climb on the tanks and have pictures taken alongside the heavy artillery, rockets, and signal equipment which are on display.