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 heritage preservation and dialogue with visitors. In this article we have compiled the top 10 museums of 2025: we will tell 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 August 19 a 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 dedicated to preserving and presenting knowledge about the Ocean. Its construction was carried out within the concept for the museum's development 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. A Branch of the Tretyakov Gallery in Kaliningrad
Photo: kaliningrad.rbc.ru
The Tretyakov Gallery branch in Kaliningrad (also known as 'Tretyakovka on the Volga' or the 'Western Branch') officially opened on June 12, 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 welcomes 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 April 1, 2025. It explores the subject of vagrancy, the history of homelessness and '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, with a living exhibition that will continually evolve.
4. Museum 'Chronicles of Fiery History'
Photo: yandex.ru/maps
The 'Chronicles of Fiery History' museum opened in Saint Petersburg on May 16, 2025, on the International Day of Light. The museum was created by a group of enthusiasts based on another project — the Museum of Candle History.
5. Contemporary Art Museum 'Krasnye Gorki'
Photo: static.mk.ru
On December 20, 2025 the ceremonial opening of the 'Krasnye Gorki' Museum of Contemporary Art 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 territory of the 'Shpagin Factory' has been open to visitors since December 20, 2025 and conducts tours, marking its move to a new, long-awaited space, which has become a significant event for the cultural life of Perm.
7. Museum of Pre‑Revolutionary Glamour 'Mirror of the Century'
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
Photo: vk.com/madjarto
On September 25, 2025 a luxurious museum opened in Moscow — the 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 to early 20th century, where visitors can immerse themselves in the everyday life, fashion and culture of the 'pre‑revolutionary glamour' era through exhibitions, costumes, interiors, and themed events, offering a unique experience far removed from classic museum exhibitions.
8. Museum 'ZILART'
Photo: theartnewspaper.ru
The 'Collection. ZILART' museum in Moscow was ceremonially opened on December 2, 2025 (the opening ceremony took place on December 1). It is a new private museum on the territory of the former ZIL factory (3 Bratyev Vesninykh Boulevard), founded on the long-standing art collection of Andrey and Elizaveta Molchanov, which includes Russian art, African art and photography.
9. Central Museum of Russian Cossacks
Photo: vk.com/gim
The Central Museum of Russian Cossacks opened on June 24, 2025 in Moscow as a branch of the State Historical Museum (GIM) at Bolshoy Levshinsky Lane, 8/1, bldg. 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 devoted to the history of the Cossacks from the earliest mentions to the present day, 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 April 18, 2025 a contemporary art space of 550 sq. m opened in Magadan. The first exhibition was 'Magadan: Beyond the Myths'. The exhibition allows for a deep reflection on the artistic perception of Magadan and Kolyma. Works for the exhibition were selected through a competition. Among the participants are artists from regions ranging from Kamchatka to Minsk and Slovenia.
