Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov

About museum

Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov – a Russian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of the Tretyakov Gallery. He was born in Moscow into a merchant family and received a home education. At fourteen, Tretyakov began working in the family business. Pavel was responsible for establishing paper-spinning factories, which he opened together with his brother.

Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, Tretyakov began collecting paintings. He made his first purchases in 1856. The collection grew rapidly, and in 1874 Tretyakov built a special building for it. In 1881 the gallery opened to the public.

In 1892 Tretyakov transferred his picture gallery to the city and bequeathed half of his funds for its upkeep and for the Home for the Widows and Orphans of Russian Artists. Tretyakov also held the title of commercial adviser, was a member of the Moscow branch of the Council of Trade and Manufactures, and from 1893 was a full member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov died in Moscow in 1898.