Moscow’s heart, the imposing Kremlin complex (set to increase visitor access in 2017), Red Square, and the candy-striped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral remain the most popular attractions. To explore the city’s less touristed outer rings, ride the Metro (famous for lavish architectural details such as stained glass panels and intricate mosaics). Browse galleries at Winzavod, a former wine-bottling factory turned contemporary art center. Meander around the newly redeveloped VDNKh, a nearly 700-acre Stalinist exhibition center once dubbed the “Soviet Versailles.” In Gorky Park, view the inaugural edition of the Garage Triennial of Contemporary Art (March 10-May 14), featuring works from Russia’s vast and culturally diverse artistic landscape. And, even though life back in the U.S.S.R. isn’t something modern Muscovites are likely to celebrate, the retro Communist propaganda poster collection is reason enough to visit the Russian Contemporary History Museum, formerly known as the Revolution Museum. —MKD
