Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 28, 2025
Press service
1931
The Mosfilm Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Its story isn't about dusty display cases, but about a living, breathing film industry. It's about cars that can be used for filming, sets that are still used today, and guides whose stories inspire tourists to change their professions. Mosfilm.ru explores how this unique corner of film magic was created and why it's adored by visitors from all over the world.
ABOUT THE INSPIRE AND FOUNDERS OF THE MOSFILM MUSEUM.
The history of the Mosfilm Museum began at the turn of the millennium. In the early 2000s, tours began somewhat spontaneously: they were taken over by the Mosfilminfo information center, led by Gayane Ambartsumyan. Initially, these were one-time events—like the Moscow International Film Festival weeks at Mosfilm—but demand grew exponentially! Groups of visitors were led around the vast studio grounds, learning about the history of Mosfilm, the workshops, sound stages, the sound studios, and more.
But Mosfilminfo staff quickly found it difficult to balance their regular work with the tours, which took at least an hour and a half to two hours. The decisive influence here was the will of Mosfilm General Director Karen Georgievich Shakhnazarov—it was on his initiative that the tours were established as a separate activity.
Museum building
Hall with costumes
Hall with camera equipment – 2000-2010.
Thus, in 2000, the museum found its first real home—in a building that had previously housed a machine shop, and in the turbulent 1990s, even housed… a car repair shop! It all began with two halls, initially displaying vintage cars. Gradually, the exhibition grew: a third hall displaying costumes was added, then a "model" hall (later housing camera equipment, lighting fixtures, and other rare film equipment).
A key period occurred around 2009-2010, when the adjacent restoration workshops finally vacated their premises. This created room for maneuver. Renowned set designer Lyudmila Kusakova created a new, permanent exhibition, accessible to visitors today. It is to her that the museum owes its recognizable style—the vibrant red, yellow, and blue walls, the colorful decoration of the gates, and the costume room. Lyudmila Mikhailovna designed the sets and costumes for the films "Poisons, or the World History of Poisonings," "The Tsaricide," "Andersen: Life Without Love," and many others. Bright, colorful, and distinctive, today they are true gems of the museum's collection.
Artist L.M. Kusakova (1935 – 2020)
"Old Moscow" naturalistic location
costumes from the film "Poisons, or the World History of Poisoning"
The formation of a permanent route was prompted by the emergence of new points of interest. In 2003, Lyudmila Kusakova designed the large-scale set, "Old Moscow," for the film "A Horseman Named Death." It opened for tours in 2004, a breakthrough event. With each passing year, the museum transformed into a vast labyrinth full of cinematic wonders! For example, in 2007, the tour route added an animatronic installation, "Viy," bringing the film's climactic scene to life. In 2010, the interior of the Russian Orthodox Church in Pavilion 14 was added. In 2013, a display of military equipment, including a tank from "White Tiger," opened. In 2020, an exhibition of Mosfilm awards from the studio's entire 100-year history opened in the foyer of the main building.
But a museum isn't just about its walls. It's about its people. Lyudmila Zhuravleva became the first official guide. Over the years, Natalya Fomicheva and Elena Morozova, the current head of the Mosfilm Excursion Bureau, have been recognizable and beloved faces of the museum for tours. The museum's staff is small—their schedules are booked months in advance.
Museum visitors (2000-2010)
guide Natalya Fomicheva
Head of the excursion bureau Elena Morozova
WHY DO THEY LOVE US?
Today, the Mosfilm Museum is more than just a museum exhibit or display; it's a living organism! On sale dates, tour tickets sell out in minutes! So what makes us so popular?
1. Intense emotions. Tours often end with applause, and many return to see the exhibits again and follow the tour route. "The power of impressions is such that they can change lives. There's a known case where someone who categorically didn't want to work as a guide attended a tour and… completely changed their mind. Being a guide here is a calling that requires charisma and perseverance. Those who endure the initial test of attention and are rewarded with recognition from the group remain in the profession for many years," notes museum director Elena Morozova.
2. The most grateful guests. Museum staff admit that the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable visitors are those from the regions. They arrive with a deep knowledge of Soviet cinema, and this applies not only to adults but also to children. There are cases when ten-year-olds come to the studio to see sets and props from their favorite films with their own eyes. One of the recent additions is the set used for the filming of the adventure detective film "Khitrovka: The Sign of Four."
3. A special approach. Mosfilm's management values not only official diplomas, but also numerous letters of gratitude from social organizations—centers for children with disabilities, children from social centers, WWII veterans, participants in the Soviet Military District, and many others. Since 2008, the museum has hosted over 1,500 groups free of charge, and this is a source of particular pride.
4. Unique exhibits and the status of a working studio. Visitors aren't bothered by the possibility that a vintage car might suddenly disappear from the exhibition because it was taken away for filming. The museum is honestly positioned from the outset as a living enterprise, not a static exhibition. Visitors understand and accept these rules, which only adds to the charm and authenticity of the place. Besides, where else can you see the famous helmet from "Gentlemen of Fortune" or a real 1920s Rolls-Royce, as featured in films by Karen Shakhnazarov and Nikita Mikhalkov?
THE PHENOMENON OF SUCCESS: FROM GARAGE TO THE TOP 10 MOSCOW MUSEUMS
The Mosfilm Museum has long since ceased to require advertising. It consistently ranks among the top 10 must-see places in Moscow. According to representatives of leading travel agencies, demand for tours of the film studio sometimes even exceeds that of the Kremlin and the Tretyakov Gallery. It's not uncommon for tourists to insist on including Mosfilm in their itinerary.
An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm
An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm
An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm
The opening of a hall in 2024 featuring a large-scale exhibition dedicated to the Mosfilm centenary (designed by artist Sergei Fevralev) has strengthened and elevated the status of the Mosfilm Museum. According to Elena Morozova, head of the Excursion Bureau, the exhibition is extremely popular! Over the past 25 years, the museum has welcomed over two million visitors from all over the world—from Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. The all-time attendance record was set in 2011, when 52 groups were accommodated in a single day! Among the visitors are not only sightseers but also students from film and creative arts universities and renowned filmmakers!
Today, the Mosfilm Museum is more than a collection of unique exhibits. It's a dream come true: that the magical world of cinema can be open to everyone. It's a place where history comes to life, and a love of cinema finds its most fervent response—in the eyes and applause of grateful audiences. We look forward to seeing you at Mosfilm!
The tour desk is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All tours are by appointment only.
Morozova Elena LvovnaHead of the museum and excursion bureauTel./Fax: 7 (499) 143-9599
Arteeva Anastasia AleksandrovnaMuseum AdministratorTel./fax: 7 (499) 143-9599
More details at https://www.mosfilm.ru/excursions/
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.