This permanent exhibition displays the state decorations and medals of Russia, the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation.

In 1698-99, Peter the Great founded the first Russian order – the Order of St Andrew. Its distinguishing marks – stars, a symbol, a chain and a ribbon – are all on display. Peter the Great’s name is also associated with two other orders: the Order of St Catherine, which is one of the oldest women’s orders in Europe (founded in 1714), and the Order of Alexander Nevsky (1725). All three orders had one level of award.

During the reign of Empress Catherine II, new orders were created. The Order of Victorious St George, the Great Martyr was a decoration for military valor. Officers and generals were decorated with so-called golden arms for their feats in combat. Examples of these arms as well as St George standards are shown in the exhibition.

In 1782 Catherine II established the Order of St Vladimir as a decoration for military and civil achievements and also for long-time service. The Establishment of Russian Orders in 1797 included in the Russian system of orders the Order of St Anne, which was created in Holstein in 1735 and brought to Russia by the son of its founder, Peter Ulrich, the future Emperor Peter III. This decoration was first awarded in 1742.

During the reign of Emperor Paul I an Order of St John of Jerusalem (Maltese Cross) was added to the Russian orders, but it did not last for long. In 1831 the Polish Orders of the White Eagle and of St. Stanislav entered the Russian system of orders.

Also of interest are items from table services bearing the symbols of these orders, drawings for clothing made for each of the orders taken from the The Establishment of Russian Orders and commemorative medals marking the anniversaries of the orders.

A separate display case is devoted to Russian military and civilian decorations for merit beginning with the time of Emperor Peter the Great up to the age of Nicholas II. In the same room there are display cases showing decorations from the White Movement in the Civil War.

The next room is devoted to decorations of the USSR, including orders and medals awarded for feats in combat and at work.

The last room presents the state decorations of the Russian Federation, including the restored Orders of St Andrew and St George.

The exhibition also features portraits of the founders and knights of the various orders.

Star and decoration of the Military Order of Victorious St George, the Great Martyr; decorations of distinction of a military order for soldiers and non-commissioned officers
Mid-19th Century
Larger view

Chain and decoration of the Order of St Andrew
Mid-19th Century
Larger view

Star and Badge on Ribbon of the Order of St.Alexander Nevsky
19th century
Larger view