Footsteps of WWII · Russia & Belarus
Victory Museum, Poklonnaya Hill, Moscow
Museum · 1941–1945 (museum opened 9 May 1995)
The story
Poklonnaya Hill, once a vantage point on the western road into Moscow, is where Napoleon waited in vain in 1812 for the keys to the Kremlin. In 1983 work began on a national museum of the 'Great Patriotic War', and the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War, now called the Victory Museum, opened here on 9 May 1995 for the 50th anniversary of victory. It is Russia's main museum of the Soviet war of 1941–45, covering the battle for Moscow, Leningrad, Stalingrad, Kursk and the drive to Berlin. In front stands an obelisk 141.8 m high, 10 cm for each day of the war, and the surrounding Victory Park holds an outdoor display of weapons and vehicles.
What to look for
Approach across the Square of Victors to the tall obelisk with Nike, then enter the curved museum. Look for the Hall of Commanders with its 'Sword and Shield of Victory', the Hall of Remembrance, large dioramas of key battles and, outside, rows of tanks, guns and aircraft in the park.
Plan your visit
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. Museum open Tuesday–Sunday (some exhibitions until 21:00), closed Mondays; tickets from about 600 roubles, sold online and on site. Park free. Check the website before you go.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
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Footsteps of WWII: Europe 1939–1945
A free field guide for your phone: the route, the maps and the stories built in, even with no signal. The whole Second World War in Europe, from the first shots at Westerplatte on 1 September 1939 to the German surrender in May 1945: Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, Normandy, Arnhem, Bastogne, Stalingrad, Berlin and the camps, in 15 areas from Britain to Russia.
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