The Vernisage in Izmailovo is the world’s largest fair-exhibition of objects of decorative and applied arts, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques, one of the prominent tourist attractions in contemporary Moscow. This unique shopping complex is situated in one of the most beautiful historical areas of Moscow, on the outskirts of the Izmailovskiy park, along the shore of the Serebriany-Vinogradny pond near the Romanov family estate, the Church of the Nativity and the Pokrovskiy Cathedral (Cathedral of Intercession). The complex includes a fair-exhibition of art and the Centre of Handicrafts “Russkoye Podvorie”.

Traditionally trade rows and merchant yards were situated near the administrative center of Russian towns (the kremlin) and all commercial activities took place there. Up to the late 19th century there existed trade rows, called “glagoli”, beside the Moscow Kremlin. Only in the late 19th century the City Duma decided to equip the glagoli: the Upper, Middle and Lower trade rows were built (GUM). It is the Vernisage that continues this tradition in the Kremlin in Izmailovo.

The Vernisage is more than ten years old and has become the favourite venue for Muscovites and visitors of Moscow. Craftsmen and artists from all over the country flock there. At the Vernisage one can find such famous Russian handicrafts as Khokhloma, Gzhel, Fedoskino, Palekh, Kholui, Dymkovo toys, etc. The Vernisage is a real center of craftsmen where you can visit the Street of Handicrafts, the Avenue of Art, the Flea Market, the Antique and Silver rows and purchase whichever articles are to your liking.

There is also the Blacksmith Yard at the Vernisage, which is an authentic forge, an operating workshop of artistic smithery and an unusual museum that gives you an opportunity of learning the craft.