The famous Bolshoi theater reopened in 2011 after an extensive six-year renovation that cost between $750 million and $1.1 billion. It now stands as one of the most exquisite performance halls in the world. Facing the Russian classical-style building on Teatralnaya Square, you would have no idea that it and its annexes hold fourteen floors of stages and rehearsal areas and tunnels to the surrounding buildings. It is the second largest opera house in the world after La Scala with the world’s largest ballet company (more than 200 dancers) and is dedicated to celebrating its national legacy so more than 70 percent of its performances are of Russian ballets and operas, many of which are rarely performed outside of the country. In addition to its incredible history and legacy, the setting is extraordinary. Among the notable features: the French chandelier with 24,000 crystals, the red velvet seats with gilt wooden backs, a stage that can be tilted for performances, and the state-of-the-art acoustic system. Contact the Indagare Bookings Team to arrange a behind-the-scenes visit.

Indagare Tip: You can book tickets online but you will pay considerably more for the convenience.

This palace, which lies a dozen miles west of Moscow, has been called Russian Versailles for its extravagant architecture and art-filled halls. It was built as a private palace and under Soviet times was used by the military but it is now open to the public who can come to enjoy its art collection and glorious gardens. In summer there are numerous concerts on the grounds. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a visit.

This mammoth park, which Westerners associate with the spy novel by Martin Cruz Smith, is Moscow’s Central Park and full of restaurants and leisure activities. The Moscow River runs through it and residents come for long strolls, picnics, roller blading and romance. Kids may enjoy the ferris wheel ride.

It may sound strange to say that visiting a city’s subway system is a sightseeing must-do, but Moscow’s metro stations are not typical. In fact, during the Soviet era, the government felt that these thoroughfares should serve as grand palaces for the people so they were embellished with decorative accents like chandeliers and marble benches and statues that were taken from churches or palaces or with worker murals created to reinforce the teachings of the Soviet Party.

By riding a few stops with the city’s daily 9 million passengers, you can visit stations that feature stained glass, mosaics and Baroque statues. A few notable stations are: Komsomolskaya (chandeliers, ceiling frescos); Novoslobodskaya (stained glass detailing), Ploschad' Revolyutsii (sculptures) and Mayakovskaya (incredible Art Deco details; considered by many to be one of the most beautiful stations).

Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange guided visits.

Founded in 1898, the Pushkin State Museum contains the best collection of foreign art in Moscow, with treasures ranging from ancient times to the present day. President Medvedev upgraded the facilities with an expansion plan that moved the 19^th and 20^th century pieces into a mansion next to the main building. In this new wing, highlights are important works by Cézanne, Gaugin, Monet, Matisse, Rodin and Picasso. In the other wing are fabulous Dutch and Italian masterpieces as well as Egyptian antiquities. The Hermitage may be Russia’s best-known museum but the Pushkin is a world-class collection and one worthy of many hours exploring. Closed on Mondays.

Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a visit.

Housed in the former home of Pavel Tretyakov, this fabulous collection covers four centuries of Russian art history. The earliest works are Russian icons from the 16^th century but the ones that will leave the greatest impression are those from the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The works of Russian painters such as Shihkin, Repin and Levitan would undoubtedly be as well known as those of Matisse and John Singer Sargent if the Russian Revolution hadn’t cut these masters off from the international community.

Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a visit.