Contemporary Art in Moscow
Where to see and buy works by contemporary artists
In terms of contemporary art, Moscow is certainly an important stop on the map for collectors, art historians, and anyone who simply enjoys exploring galleries. The city offers no shortage of galleries and exhibition spaces where you can discover leading names in Russian contemporary art and even take something home. Just remember: works of art need to be declared when crossing borders. Here are some of the key spots for art lovers.
Where to See
GES-2
One of Moscow’s most striking cultural projects of recent years, GES-2 is a cultural centre in the very heart of the capital, housed in a former hydroelectric power station alongside historic buildings believed to date back to the 18th century, uncovered during the renovation. It’s a stage for large-scale exhibitions where the space itself plays an essential role in how the art is experienced. If you want to see how unusual venues can be transformed into cultural hubs, this is the place.
Address: Bolotnaya Embankment, 15
Ruarts
This impressive gallery space is perfect for a proper encounter with contemporary art. Typically hosting solo exhibitions, Ruarts also collaborates with museums and institutions from across Russia, as well as from Italy, the USA, Japan, and beyond. Alongside Russian artists, you’ll find interdisciplinary projects and international works specially selected for the gallery.
Address: 1st Zachatyevsky Lane, 10
MMoMa
The Moscow Museum of Modern Art is a city-wide project uniting several venues. The flagship on Petrovka Street, 25, showcases major artists and iconic works. On Gogolevsky Boulevard, 10/1, you’ll find ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary Russian painters, photographers, and cross-genre creators. The branches in Ermolaevsky Lane and on Tverskoy Boulevard are great for stumbling across overlooked masters, rare collections, or unusual work at the crossroads of different movements.
Address: Petrovka Street, 25
Triumph Gallery
Originally a gallery, Triumph has since grown into a full-fledged cultural institution. Its Research Arts project supports works at the intersection of visual art and social sciences, while its publishing arm and educational programmes broaden its reach. The gallery’s collection features works by more than 40 established and emerging artists.
Address: Ilyinka Street, 3/8с5
Multimedia Art Museum
The Multimedia Art Museum is dedicated to photography, film screenings, and educational events such as lectures, debates, and workshops. This is the place for rare photographic projects: from world-famous fashion photographers to frontline correspondents capturing authentic local stories across Russia. MAMM also hosts projects by partner institutions: anything from the Museum of the 6th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party to the National Museum of the Komi Republic.
Address: Ostozhenka Street, 16
HSE ART GALLERY
Based at the Higher School of Economics’ Design School, this gallery presents the work of young, often very young, artists just starting out. It’s the perfect place to gauge the potential of the next generation, enjoy bold and daring student work, and leave prejudices at the door.
Address: Malaya Pionerskaya Street, 12
GARAGE
The Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, tucked inside the spacious Gorky Park, isn’t hosting exhibitions at the moment. Instead, you’ll find a café, a bookshop, and a library, but the real treasure is the open storage display. Think of it as stepping into a private vault filled with rare artefacts: a collection of Russian art from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Address: Krymsky Val Street, 9с32
Where to Buy
Cube Contemporary Art Centre
Arguably the best place in Moscow to discover, immerse yourself in, and buy contemporary art. Located in the city centre, Cube offers memberships, guided tours, and plenty of opportunities to fall in love with what’s on the walls. Many works are also available online through Cube’s dedicated art sales site.
Address: Tverskaya Street, 3
ART & BRUT
A small but distinctive gallery with just a few halls, Art & Brut stages solo and group shows and embraces every medium, from painting and photography to sculpture and mixed techniques. Everything on display is for sale, with prices ranging from as little as 3,000 roubles for items like artist-designed porcelain to around 400,000 roubles for paintings.
Address: Armyansky Lane, 1/8с1
Win-Win Art Shop
Located in the main square of the Winzavod art cluster, this shop focuses on editioned art: prints, small-scale sculpture, stickers, badges, zines, and art books. Born from the Win-Win art market, it’s a friendly space where you can pick up affordable works by contemporary artists and make valuable contacts in the art world.
Address: 4th Syromyatnichesky Lane, 1/8с8
Vladey Space
This sleek, contemporary venue combines exhibitions with a showroom where works can be purchased on the spot. Vladey also runs auctions (registration required) and Artist Weeks, when visitors can explore the practice of a young creator in depth over a short period of time.
Address: 4th Syromyatnichesky Lane, 1/8с9
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