Moscow is home to a vibrant art scene, with galleries, museums, and creative spaces that attract both local and international artists. Whether you’re a professional artist or simply enjoy creating in your spare time, you’ll need a place to buy high-quality art supplies. Fortunately, Moscow has a variety of stores that cater to all your artistic needs, from paints and brushes to sketchbooks and canvases. Here are some of the best art supply stores in Moscow where you can find everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life.
1. Khudozhestvenny Mir (Art World)
Khudozhestvenny Mir is one of Moscow’s largest and most well-known art supply stores, catering to artists of all skill levels. With a wide range of materials and a reputation for high-quality products, it’s a go-to spot for art enthusiasts.
What to Expect:
- Wide Range of Supplies: Khudozhestvenny Mir offers a huge selection of paints, brushes, easels, canvases, sketchbooks, and more, including premium brands like Winsor & Newton, Lukas, and Faber-Castell.
- Professional Service: The staff is knowledgeable and can assist you in selecting the right materials for your projects, whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist.
- Art Workshops and Events: Occasionally, the store hosts art events and workshops, providing opportunities for artists to learn and connect with one another.
Why It’s Great:
- Khudozhestvenny Mir is the perfect spot for those seeking a comprehensive selection of art supplies and high-quality materials, with a reputation for both variety and expertise.
2. Art-Souvenir
Located near the heart of Moscow, Art-Souvenir offers a unique combination of art supplies and Russian art-themed gifts, making it a great destination for both artists and art lovers.
What to Expect:
- Art Supplies: The store offers a great selection of paints, brushes, drawing tools, and art papers, focusing on a wide range of professional-grade materials.
- Russian Art Gifts: In addition to supplies, you can find handcrafted and art-inspired gifts, such as lacquer boxes, ceramics, and Russian folk art.
- Cultural Vibe: The store’s artistic atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the world of Russian art and culture while picking up materials.
Why It’s Great:
- Art-Souvenir offers a wide variety of materials for artists, plus a selection of unique Russian art gifts, making it a great spot to explore both art supplies and local craftsmanship.
3. Gzhel Art Supplies
Specializing in traditional Russian art forms, Gzhel Art Supplies offers everything needed for creating ceramic art, as well as general supplies for other types of painting and drawing. It’s a go-to for artists looking for unique Russian materials.
What to Expect:
- Russian Ceramics: In addition to the usual art supplies, Gzhel Art Supplies offers materials for ceramic painting, inspired by Gzhel porcelain—a traditional Russian ceramic art style.
- Drawing and Painting Supplies: The store also carries paints, charcoal, and brushes, with a focus on both local brands and internationally recognized names.
- Art Exhibitions: Gzhel often showcases works by Russian artists, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local art scene while picking up supplies.
Why It’s Great:
- Gzhel Art Supplies is the ideal store for artists interested in Russian art traditions and those looking for unique materials like porcelain paints, alongside a solid selection of general art supplies.
4. Akademiya
Akademiya is a long-standing art supply store in Moscow, offering a curated selection of high-end supplies for both amateur and professional artists. It’s particularly popular among fine artists, offering premium brands and materials.
What to Expect:
- Premium Art Supplies: Akademiya carries a selection of fine art materials, including high-quality oil paints, charcoal, pastels, and watercolors, perfect for artists looking to create professional-level work.
- Wide Range of Brands: The store stocks both international and local brands, including Sennelier, Rembrandt, and Schmincke, known for their superior quality.
- Educational Focus: Akademiya also offers art books and other educational materials, making it a great resource for artists looking to improve their skills.
Why It’s Great:
- Akademiya stands out for its premium selection of art supplies and its focus on providing artists with the best materials available, perfect for those seeking high-quality products.
5. Pioner
Pioner is a stylish, modern art store offering a curated selection of supplies for both art students and professional artists. Known for its unique offerings, the store features everything from traditional tools to contemporary supplies.
What to Expect:
- Comprehensive Art Materials: Pioner carries an excellent variety of acrylic paints, pastels, inks, brushes, and canvas boards, offering tools for a wide range of artistic mediums.
- Focus on Innovation: The store focuses on both traditional and modern art supplies, including products for digital artists, such as drawing tablets and styluses.
- Trendy Design: The modern design of the store, combined with the artistic atmosphere, makes it a great place to shop for supplies in a creative environment.
Why It’s Great:
- Pioner offers a more contemporary approach to art supplies, catering to both traditional and digital artists, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a wide range of modern art tools.
6. Mythos
Known for its focus on fine art materials, Mythos is a top art supply store for artists who prioritize professional-grade products and exceptional customer service. Located near several major cultural districts, it’s a great stop for both locals and visitors.
What to Expect:
- Exclusive Art Supplies: Mythos offers a range of premium paints, brushes, pencils, charcoal, and canvases, as well as limited-edition materials from global brands.
- Helpful Staff: The store’s knowledgeable staff can help you select the best supplies for your projects, whether you’re working with oil paints, watercolors, or drawing materials.
- Focus on Artists: The store is designed with professional artists in mind, offering everything needed to create high-level artwork, from masterpieces to sketches.
Why It’s Great:
- Mythos is a go-to for serious artists who require premium art materials and expert guidance in selecting the best tools for their craft.
7. Moscow Art Supplies
Moscow Art Supplies is an online and brick-and-mortar store dedicated to providing top-tier art materials. Whether you’re an illustrator, painter, or graphic artist, Moscow Art Supplies has everything you need to bring your creations to life.
What to Expect:
- Wide Selection: From watercolors to oil paints, drawing pencils, and markers, this store has a comprehensive inventory of materials for every kind of artist.
- Customized Solutions: Moscow Art Supplies is known for offering tailored recommendations based on your needs, helping you choose the right supplies for your specific medium.
- Convenient Location: The store’s central location makes it easily accessible to Moscow’s art community.
Why It’s Great:
- With its extensive selection and personalized customer service, Moscow Art Supplies offers everything artists need for their creative projects.
8. Rostokino Art Supplies
Located in the Rostokino area, this is one of the best-known art stores for professional artists. Rostokino Art Supplies offers a broad array of supplies and also features some hard-to-find materials that can’t be found elsewhere in Moscow.
What to Expect:
- High-End Art Materials: Offering everything from watercolors to acrylic paints, canvas, and brushes, Rostokino is a great place to find top-notch products.
- Hard-to-Find Items: The store specializes in hard-to-find art materials, such as rare papers, high-quality canvases, and exclusive brushes.
- Professional Environment: The store has a more serious atmosphere, catering to those looking for professional-grade materials.
Why It’s Great:
- Rostokino Art Supplies is perfect for artists looking for high-quality materials and exclusive products not easily found in other Moscow stores.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wealth of art supply stores catering to all types of artists, whether you’re looking for premium materials, art books, or specialty tools. From Khudozhestvenny Mir’s large selection to Pioner’s contemporary offerings, each store provides a unique shopping experience. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, Moscow has plenty of spots to find the perfect supplies to fuel your creativity.