(Source: http://tyrist.biz/other/v-moskve.html)

“MISHKA” is the Russian abbreviation of the name of the Museum of History of Chocolate and Cocoa, besides, it is the name of a very delicious and famous Russian chocolate. The recipe of “Mishka” was created at the end of XIX century at the “Einem” factory renamed as “Red October” after revolution.

The “MISHKA” Museum has a direct bearing on the factory: it was opened near the manufacture, in the chocolate factory in Sokolniki where “Red October” moved after joining another chocolate giant – “Babaevskiy”. “United Confectioners” joined even the museum exhibitions of their factories.

The museum has everything that its name promises: both sweets and history. It all starts with a map showing the ways of chocolate to Europe. The basis of the exhibition is presented by a cacao tree, a chocolate river and constellations twinkling on the ceiling. These stars helped to find the way for the ships of Cortes sailing from the country of the Aztecs in the XVI century with “a rich load of chocolate” on board. You can look into the hold of the ship and learn something about the Mayan civilization (not only about the cocoa, but also about their writing).

The excursion is accompanied by video clips and expressive effects like constant change of lighting or the sound of ocean waves outside the ship of conquistadors. After that you will have a journey through old Europe with visits to chocolate shops and fashion salons.

The history of chocolate packages is presented here in great detail: many wonderful old things, boxes, labels and wrappers. The section of domestic chocolate presents the exhibits devoted to the “Einem” factory and the partnership company of Abrikosov brothers, the grandparents “Red October” and the “Babaevsky” concern. Finally, the main attraction is the tour directly to manufacture, to the chocolate conveyor. The shop smells of vanilla and cocoa, and this is the proven smell of happiness. You can not only inhale, but also taste the sweets.

Local peculiarities.

It is necessary to apply for an excursion into museum in advance by phone: +7 (495) 9825797, +7 (915) 0276577, or directly at the entrance of the museum. It is not just in advance, but greatly so – it often happens so that all the excursions are reserved for several months.

The kiosk in the museum lobby sells books on the subject and a variety of souvenirs - notebooks, stickers, bookmarks, postcards reproducing vintage advertising and symbols of the famous factories. Here you can buy sweets in their original packages: tin boxes with sweets, book boxes, chocolate cubes.