Russian Emperors and the Armoury Chamber. The XIXth century

You are welcome to make a virtual visit to the exhibition hall of the Assumption Belfry, where the second part of the jubilee exhibition "Russian Emperors and the Armoury Chamber" is put on. It represents the history of the Armoury Chamber as a museum establishment during 1806-1917 (from Alexander I to Nicholas II).

The date of the museum's foundation originates from March , 10, 1806. That day Emperor Alexander I signed an order "On rules of administration and preservation of valuables of the Workshop and Armoury Chamber", which accomplished the process of the royal depositories' transformation into a museum, started by Peter the Great. A part of the exhibition "Russian Emperors and the Armoury Chamber", covering this process, is placed in the One-Pillar Chamber of the Patriarch's Palace.

The first exposition of the Armoury Chamber was opened in 1814. At that time the Russian history was regarded as a history of the tsars having been alternated each other. Six exhibition halls of the Assumption Belfry are dedicated to the Emperors: Alexander I, Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III, and Nicholas II.

Each exhibition hall includes the rulers' portraits, private chamber's items, and works of art for coronation ceremonial, which marked the status of a new Emperor. The second exposition line represents the events, have been happening during the museum's existence under the influence of each Tsar.

The general theme of the exhibition is the history of the museum funds' developing. The most important and significant turning-point replenishments (both single items and whole collections) are revealed within this exposition.

Please, take into your consideration a brief historical annotation for each exhibit, made under its enlarged image.

Have a nice trip!