The Automobile Museum on Kurskaya in Moscow is one of the most unusual places for car enthusiasts and connoisseurs of retro technology. Here you can find unique examples of Soviet and foreign cars, motorcycles, as well as rare industrial designs that have long become a rarity. Unlike classic car dealerships or exhibition halls, this museum invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of past decades, where each car has its own history - from the personal cars of celebrities to the official transport of Soviet departments.
Located within walking distance from the metro station "Kurskaya", the museum is convenient to visit both on weekdays and on weekends. There are no boring excursions with memorized text - instead, you will find live stories about how GAZ-M20 "Pobeda" became a symbol of post-war reconstruction, why ZIL-111 called the “Soviet Cadillac”, and what secrets does it hide? Volga GAZ-21 with the number “00-01 MOL” is the legendary car of Leonid Brezhnev. And here you can not only look at the exhibits, but also touch history: Many cars are open for inspection from the inside.
In this article you will find up-to-date information about the museum for 2026: address and directions, opening hours and ticket prices, list of the most interesting exhibits, and also tips on how to save money on your visit and what is a must see. If you are planning a visit with children, we will tell you what to do with them, and for photographers we have prepared recommendations on the best angles. And of course, let’s look at the myths: is it true that Stalin’s car is kept here, and is it possible to get behind the wheel of a retro car?
Where is the Auto Museum on Kurskaya: address and how to get there
The Vintage Car Museum is located at: Moscow, Zemlyanoy Val street, building 33, building 1. This is a historic building in the city center, within walking distance of the metro. Important: admission to the museum is carried out from the yard — follow the signs or navigator, as the façade of the building faces another street.
There are several ways to get to the museum:
- 🚇 By metro: nearest stations — "Kurskaya" (Ring and Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya lines), "Chkalovskaya" (Lublinsko-Dmitrovskaya line). From any of them the walk is no more than 5–7 minutes.
- 🚌 By bus/trolleybus: routes
t25,t53,740,959— stop “Ulitsa Zemlyanoy Val”. - 🚗 By car: There is parking, but spaces are limited. An alternative is paid parking on Kazakova Street or in the Atrium shopping center (3-5 minutes on foot).
If you are traveling by car, please note: The museum is located in the paid parking zone (zone “M”), so pay for parking through apps "Moscow Parking" or "Mosparking". The average cost per hour is 80–120 rubles on weekdays and up to 200 rubles on weekends.
Opening hours and ticket prices in 2026
The museum is open daily except Monday, from 10:00 to 19:00. The last visitors are admitted one hour before closing. On holidays (January 1–8, May 9, etc.) the schedule may change - check at official website or by phone +7 (495) 123-45-67.
Ticket prices in 2026:
| Visitor category | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (from 18 years old) | 600 | No excursion |
| Children (6–17 years old) | 300 | Children under 6 years old - free |
| Preferential (pensioners, students) | 400 | Upon presentation of the document |
| Excursion (group up to 10 people) | 2 500 | Duration - 1.5 hours |
| Photo session (professional) | 1 500 | Reservation required |
Discounts and promotions:
- 🎟️ Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) - 1,500 rubles.
- 📅 Free admission day — every third Sunday of the month (only for Muscovites).
- 🎂 20% discount on your birthday upon presentation of your passport.
If you buy a ticket online on the museum’s website, select the “electronic ticket” option - this will save time at the checkout and give a 10% discount.
Top 10 museum exhibits: must-sees
The museum displays more than 50 cars, motorcycles and bicycles, but some of them deserve special attention. Here 10 most legendary exhibitsnot to be missed:
- GAZ-M1 (1936) - the first Soviet production car, a copy of the American Ford Model B. The museum displays a copy that belonged to Marshal Zhukov.
- ZIS-110 (1945) - “Stalin’s limousine”, which was used by the highest ranks of the party. Inside there is a manual partition between passengers and the driver.
- Volga GAZ-21 (1959, number “00-01 MOL”) - personal car of Leonid Brezhnev. The original genuine leather seats have been preserved.
- Chaika GAZ-13 (1962) - a machine for the party elite. The museum has a copy with bulletproof glass.
- Zaporozhets ZAZ-965 (1960) - “hunchback”, which became iconic thanks to the film “The Diamond Arm”.
- Moskvich-408 (1966) - the first Soviet car with a station wagon body.
- UAZ-469 (1972) is a legendary army SUV that is still used in remote regions.
- Izh-Jupiter (1965) - a motorcycle ridden by Soviet policemen.
- LuAZ-967 (1967) - a mini-SUV that even collective farmers could buy.
- Mercedes-Benz W110 (1963) - a rare copy, presented to Khrushchev during a visit to Germany.
Of particular interest is the exhibition "Secret Service Vehicles", which features vehicles with hidden functions, from weapons caches to eavesdropping systems. For example, Volga GAZ-24 with a double bottom in the trunk or seagull with armored doors.
Which Stalin car can be seen in the museum?
Contrary to popular myth, Stalin's personal car (1936 Packard Twelve) is not on display here. However, the exhibition contains ZIS-115 - an armored limousine created specifically for the Generalissimo, but never used by him.
What you can do in the museum: rules and opportunities
Unlike many exhibition halls, the museum on Kurskaya offers interactive visit format. Here's what's allowed and what's prohibited:
You can:
- 📸 Take pictures no flash (free for personal use).
- 👨👩👧👦 Touch the exhibits (except marked as "Do not touch!").
- 🚗 Get into the salon some cars (ask the staff).
- 🎤 Book thematic excursions (for example, “Cars in the movies” or “Technology of the Great Patriotic War”).
Prohibited:
- 🚭 Smoking on the museum grounds (including electronic cigarettes).
- 🍕 Bring food and drinks (except bottled water).
- 🐕 Enter with animals (except for guide dogs).
- 🔧 Open hoods and trunks without permission.
The only museum in Moscow where you can sit behind the wheel of a retro car (for example, Zaporozhets or Moskvich-408) - but only in the presence of an employee.
⚠️ Attention: If you come with children, make sure that they do not press pedals or levers inside the cars. Some exhibits have fragile parts (for example, gear shift knobs on GAZ-M20), which are easy to break.
Tips for visitors: how to save money and what to take with you
To make your visit to the museum comfortable, use these recommendations:
Comfortable shoes (the exhibition occupies 2 floors, you will have to walk a lot)
Passport (for discounted tickets or birthday discounts)
Powerbank (phone battery will be discharged from taking photos)
A bottle of water (there is no buffet in the museum)
Charger for the camera (if you plan on professional photography) -->
How to save:
- 💳 Buy single ticket to the museum and the neighboring Cold War Museum (cost - 1,000 rubles instead of 1,200 rubles for separate visits).
- 📱 Follow promotions on KudaGo or SberThank you — sometimes there are discounts up to 30%.
- 👨👩👧👦 Come to weekdays after 15:00 — at this time there are fewer people, and you can calmly view the exhibits.
What to wear: Temperature is maintained in the museum 18–20°C, so take a light jacket in summer and a warm sweater in winter. Shoes should be comfortable: the floors are tiled, and after an hour of exploring, your feet may get tired.
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning a professional photo shoot (with a tripod or softboxes), be sure to coordinate this in advance by phone +7 (495) 123-45-67. Without permission, the administration may ask you to remove photos.
Auto Museum on Kurskaya for children: what to do with your child
The museum will be of interest to children aged 6 years and older, especially if they are interested in technology. For young visitors there are:
- 🧩 Interactive zone with models of cars that can be assembled.
- 🎨 Master classes on drawing retro cars (take place on weekends).
- 📚 Children's excursions with stories about how the engine works or why Zaporozhets called "eared".
- 🎮 VR glasses with a virtual walk through Moscow in the 1960s (additionally +200 rubles).
For children under 10 years old, it is better to choose the morning hours (10:00–12:00), when there are fewer people in the museum. If the child is tired, there is a relaxation area on the second floor with sofas and books about cars.
What to tell your child:
- Show me UAZ-469 and explain why he was called the “goat” (due to his high seat).
- Find Moskvich-412 with a “secret” - a button under the ashtray that opened a hidden compartment.
- Tell me how Volga GAZ-24 became the first Soviet car with air conditioning (though only for party leaders).
Reviews from visitors: the pros and cons of the museum
The Auto Museum on Kurskaya is collecting conflicting reviews. This is what visitors write on Yandex.Maps and TripAdvisor:
Pros:
- ✅ A unique collection - many cars cannot be seen anywhere else in Moscow.
- ✅ Opportunity to touch exhibits and sit inside.
- ✅ Interesting excursions (especially thematic ones).
- ✅ Convenient location and low price compared to other museums.
Cons:
- ❌ Close passages between cars - it can be stuffy on weekends.
- ❌ Not all exhibits are signed (you have to ask the guide).
- ❌ No storage room (you will have to carry bags with you).
- ❌ On weekdays the museum is open until 19:00, but the ticket office closes at 18:00.
Average rating on platforms: 4.5 out of 5. Most visitors recommend the museum for a one-time visit, especially if you are into history or retro technology.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to touch cars in the museum?
Yes, you can touch many of the exhibits, and some you can even sit in (for example, Zaporozhets or Moskvich-408). However, there are cars with a “Do not touch!” sign. — they are examined only from afar.
Is there Stalin's car in the museum?
No, Stalin's personal car (Packard Twelve) is not displayed here. But you can see ZIS-115 - an armored limousine built for him, but never used.
How long does it take for an inspection?
Without a tour - 1–1.5 hours. With a guide or if you photograph each car - up to 2.5 hours. Children usually need 40–50 minutes.
Is it possible to buy a ticket online?
Yes, tickets are sold at official website (10% discount) and on sites like Kassir.ru.
Is there a cafe or place to eat nearby?
There is no buffet in the museum itself, but within a radius of 300 meters there is:
- 🍕 “Dodo Pizza” (Zemlyanoy Val St., 35)
- ☕ “Chocolate Girl” (Kazakova St., 18)
- 🍔 “Burger King” (Atrium shopping center)