Metal objects collection

The museum-reserve collection of Russian metal art numbers over 3,000 units including numerous civil and church valuables and shows the diversity of art traditions, form uniqueness and presentation skills of masters.

The unique Russian collection of tower clock mechanisms of XVI – XIX centuries is of great interest.

ToTower clock mechanisms, XVI – XIX centuries
Milestones in the History of Kolomenskoye exposition
at the Front Gate of the Tsar’s Courtyard in Kolomenskoye

The unique handwrought tower clock mechanism created by master Semen Chasovik (which literally means ‘the Clock Master”) in 1539 is the earliest dated Russian mechanism of the type.

The bells collection is of great interest as it includes the most ancient bell that was casted in 1497 by Fedka Pushechnik (the Cannon Master) at the times of Tsar Ivan III’s reign. Besides, the collection comprises bells of the XVI century brought as trophies from Novgorod and Pskov by oprichniki (life-guardsmen) of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Two bells are especially notable: their small through arches serve as sound resonators.

Bell, XVII century

Milestones in the History of Kolomenskoye exposition
at the Front Gate of the Tsar’s Courtyard in Kolomenskoye

In the Depository Atrium Hall one can see a forged weather vane of 1680 from the Varvarskaya Tower of the Kitay-gorod wall.

Weather vane from theVarvarskayaTowerof the Kitay-gorod wall, 1680

Masters. Russian Builders’ Art and Technique in XV-XIX Centuries exposition
at the Atrium Hall of the Depositary in Kolomenskoye

At the exposition one can equally see smithcraft objects: doors, shutters, window bars, numerous hardware units, sophisticated door locks, keys, decorated hinges and cover plates as well as various tools.