One of the branches of the Moscow City Museum Association, the historical museum Old English Court is located in a most beautiful monument of ancient architecture in the Varvarka Street. The house was built by merchant Ivan Bobrischev at the end of the 15th century and became the property of the British diplomatic mission to Russia in 1556. Ambassadors were recieved, trade deals were made, and the mission's treasury and goods were kept there. Today, the House of Old English Court is the oldest official representative office of a foreign power, preserved in Moscow.
The expositions of the Old English Court present archive documents, graphic art works, photographs, and archaeological finds made during excavations in this area. They tell about the building's history, as well as Russian-British relations of the 16th-17th centuries, the start of London and Moscow diplomatic relations, and the important role that the Old English Court played. Here you can also learn about one of Russia's first mathematical schools, which was opened here under the reign of Peter I.
The museum is also famous for a rich choice of excursions and educational interactive programs related to the history and culture of the Muscovite Russia and the countries of Western Europe during the Renaissance. In addition, the program participants acquire certain practical skills in the field of geography, mathematics, navigation, commerce, hostels, housekeeping and cooking. Such thematic programs are intended for the audience of different ages, whereas some of them are specially adapted to visually impaired visitors.
Excellent acoustics of the lobby of the Treasury Chamber has made it a traditional venue for chamber music concerts, as well as historical and literary stage productions. Over the years, monthly concerts have been attracting connoseurs of authentic performance of early music to the chambers of the Old English Court.
Address: 4a, Varvarka Street, next to Kitay Gorod metro station, Moscow.
Open hours: from 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesday-Sunday,
from 11 am to 9 pm on Thursday.
Days off: every Monday and last Friday of the month
Find details on the official site