In 2025 new spaces opened across the country — from high-tech multimedia centers to unconventional thematic exhibitions. The new museums demonstrate a variety of approaches to preserving heritage and engaging with visitors. In this article we have compiled the Top 10 museums of 2025: we'll tell you which venues are already welcoming guests, what surprises they offer visitors, and how they fit into the contemporary cultural context.
1. Exhibition and Educational Center "Planet Ocean"
Photo: infoshtab-klg.ru
On 19 August the new building of the Museum of the World Ocean — "Planet Ocean" — opened its doors to visitors. It is the largest exhibition and educational center in Russia that preserves and presents knowledge about the ocean. Its construction was carried out as part of the museum development concept approved by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The opening of "Planet Ocean" was timed to coincide with Geographer's Day and the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society.
2. Tretyakov Gallery Branch in Kaliningrad
Photo: kaliningrad.rbc.ru
The Tretyakov Gallery branch in Kaliningrad officially opened on 12 June 2025 as part of a large cultural cluster on Oktyabrsky Island. The museum is an important cultural center with modern exhibition spaces; it is operational and welcoming visitors, offering a wide range of exhibitions of Russian art.
3. Museum of the Homeless
Photo: m24.ru
The "Museum of the Homeless" opened in Saint Petersburg on 1 April 2025. It explores the theme of vagrancy, the history of homelessness and the 'superfluous people' through exhibits and stories from different eras, offering a unique perspective on the social phenomenon at the intersection of history, sociology and anthropology.
4. Museum "Chronicles of Fiery History"
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The "Chronicles of Fiery History" museum opened in Saint Petersburg on 16 May 2025, International Day of Light. The museum was created by a group of enthusiasts based on another project — the Museum of the History of the Candle.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art "Krasnye Gorki"
Photo: static.mk.ru
On 20 December 2025 a ceremonial opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art "Krasnye Gorki" took place at the popular resort Krasnaya Polyana. It is the first museum of contemporary art of this scale in Russia, created in the very heart of a ski resort. It is also the first project intended to become a new year-round attraction, combining the pristine power of the Caucasus and the most current artistic trends.
6. Perm State Art Gallery on the territory of the "Shpagin Factory"
Photo: theartnewspaper.ru
The Perm art gallery on the premises of the "Shpagin Factory" has been open to visitors since 20 December 2025 and offers tours, marking its move to a new long-awaited space — a significant event for Perm's cultural life.
7. Museum of Pre-Revolutionary Glamour "Mirror of the Century"
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On 25 September 2025 a luxurious museum opened in Moscow — a historical salon of pre-revolutionary glamour, "Mirror of the Century". The "Mirror of the Century" museum is a private, immersive project in Moscow dedicated to recreating the atmosphere of pre-revolutionary Russia of the late 19th–early 20th century, where visitors can immerse themselves in the everyday life, fashion and culture of the era of 'pre-revolutionary glamour' through exhibitions, costumes, interiors and themed events, offering a unique experience far removed from classical museum expositions.
8. Museum "ZILART"
Photo: theartnewspaper.ru
The "Collection. ZILART" museum in Moscow was officially opened on 2 December 2025 (the opening ceremony took place on 1 December). It is a new private museum on the territory of the former ZIL factory (Bratyev Vesninykh Boulevard, 3), founded on the long-standing collection of artworks of Andrey and Elizaveta Molchanov, including Russian art, African art and photography.
9. Central Museum of Russian Cossacks
Photo: vk.com/gim
The Central Museum of Russian Cossacks opened on 24 June 2025 in Moscow as a branch of the State Historical Museum (GIM) at Bolshoy Levshinsky Lane, 8/1, building 1, presenting more than 800 exhibits reflecting the rich history and contribution of the Cossacks to Russia, with the participation of high-ranking guests and Cossack ensembles. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Cossacks from the earliest mentions to the present, covering military feats, everyday life and culture, and is intended to become a center for patriotic education.
10. Cultural and Exhibition Center "Rynda"
Photo: culture.ru
On 18 April 2025 in Magadan a modern art space of 550 sq. m opened. The first exhibition was "Magadan: Beyond Myths." The exhibition allows a deep reflection on the artistic perception of Magadan and Kolyma. Works for the exhibition were selected based on a competition. Among the participants were artists from regions ranging from Kamchatka to Minsk and Slovenia.
Фото: vk.com/gim
Центральный музей российского казачества открылся 24 июня 2025 года в Москве как филиал Государственного исторического музея (ГИМ) по адресу Большой Левшинский пер., д. 8/1, стр. 1, представив более 800 экспонатов, отражающих богатую историю и вклад казачества в Россию, с участием высокопоставленных гостей и казачьих коллективов. Музей посвящен истории казачества от первых упоминаний до современности, охватывает военные подвиги, быт и культуру, и призван стать центром патриотического воспитания.
10. Культурно-выставочный центр «Рында»
Фото: culture.ru
18 апреля 2025 года в Магадане открылось современное арт‑пространство площадью 550 кв. м. Первой выставкой стала экспозиция «Магадан: за гранью мифов». Экспозиция позволяет глубоко осмыслить художественное восприятие Магадана и Колымы. Работы для выставки отобрали по итогам конкурса. Среди участников – художники из регионов от Камчатки до Минска и Словении.
