Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812

The exhibition is structured chronologically and covers the period from the beginning of the 19th century to the post-war years in Europe. There are 10 thematic sections in total: “Alexander and Napoleon: diplomacy of neutrality (1801–1805)” - Russian-French relations before open conflicts. "Military campaigns of 1806–1807" - clashes preceding the war. “Russian-French alliance. Expansion of the French Empire" - The Peace of Tilsit and geopolitical changes. “Preparation for war (1809–1812)” - build-up of military forces, diplomatic situation. “The initial period of the war: from the Neman to Smolensk” - the first battles, the retreat of the Russian army. “The Battle of Borodino” is the central episode of the war, the course and results of the battle. “Great army in the ancient capital. Moscow fire" - occupation of Moscow, fire, strategic consequences. “Expelling the enemy from Russia” - counter-offensive of the Russian army, the defeat of Napoleon. "The road to triumph. Foreign campaigns (1813–1815)" - the liberation of Europe, Leipzig, the fall of Napoleon. “Memory of the War” - perpetuation of events, memorial traditions, cultural heritage. Key exhibits Napoleon's saber - according to legend, was given to Count Pavel Shuvalov for saving the emperor at Fontainebleau. The samovar of M.I. Kutuzov is a personal item of the commander. The marshal's baton of P.H. Wittgenstein is a symbol of military status. Silver reliquary with a letter of gratitude from Alexander I to the Moscow nobility. Ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called - in it, Prince P. I. Bagration participated in the Battle of Borodino and was mortally wounded. Napoleon's camp bed and sleigh are items associated with the French emperor's retreat from Russia. The camp kitchen of Napoleonic troops is a unique surviving example. Numismatics collection - coins and medals of the era, including Napoleon's awards captured by the Prussians at Waterloo. Granted rings, snuff boxes, medals and orders of war participants. The cycle of paintings by V.V. Vereshchagin “Napoleon in Russia” is an artistic interpretation of events. Archival documents, weapons, uniforms of the warring parties. The fresco by G. Semiradsky “The Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky Receives the Papal Legate” (a copy of the monumental painting of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior) adorns the entrance area of ​​the museum.

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