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Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens

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Explore the world’s only Precious Moment’s Chapel and Timmy’s Tower. The Chapel contains paintings and stained glass windows by artist Sam Butcher, depicting stories from the Bible. Visit the world’s largest Precious Moments Gift Shoppe. Enjoy the collections in the Samuel J. Butcher Museum and experience the beauty of the gardens.

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There's a Sistine Chapel-Inspired Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri

There was a time when the teardrop eyed Precious Moments figurines were one of the hottest items around. The adorable little cherub collectibles , which are now probably taking up shelf space at your mom and grandmother's houses, were the creation of the artist Samuel J. Butcher.  

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Sam Butcher had always been attached to childhood memories of his grandmother's Bible stories. He had also always grown up with a love of drawing, despite growing up in a poor home. He did what he needed to in order to find his art supplies and after years of practice, ended up winning a scholarship after high school to study art at the College of Arts & Crafts in Berkeley. 

In 1975, Butcher decided to use his artistic talents for the Lord and started drawing small Biblical scenes. Initially, Precious Moments were introduced to the public as greeting cards and posters. A few years later, the series was expanded to actual figurines. Butcher was inspired to share God's love with everyone. He went from a former janitor trying to make ends meet to a millionaire. The public loved the little cherubic statues and they quickly became popular around the country. 

But Butcher was inspired to create something even bigger to honor God — he built the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri . Finding inspiration from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Butcher created his own chapel — stained glass windows and all. The chapel features scenes from Precious Moments. Funded by his Precious Moments successes, Mr. Butcher spent four years finalizing the chapel and surrounding area, which initially included an entire Precious Moments Park, the world's largest Precious Moments Gift Shoppe, a Christmas shop open year-round, and even an incredible water fountain with Precious Moments Figures in the center. The chapel itself became known as "America's Sistine Chapel."

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Though many of the park attractions closed down in 2007, the Precious Moments Chapel remains a free attraction for visitors. Free Chapel tours will take you through the grounds, where a guide will explain that it took the Precious Moments artist 500 hours to paint the 75 angels in the chapel's centerpiece ceiling. There are 5,000 square feet of art throughout the chapel as well as a "Hallelujah Square" mural, which (according to the website) is "heaven through the eyes of a child." The chapel has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened its doors in 1989. 

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"It is my prayer," Sam Butcher says , "that through my work in the Chapel, I might share my faith with others and that the Spirit of God might touch the visitors' hearts and bring them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord."

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( Chapel Center, in Carthage )

My husband Lloyd and I enjoyed a fully escorted twelve-day motor-coach excursion to Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Branson, Missouri; and The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri; among other interesting places.

In EUREKA SPRINGS, we took a narrated tour on an open-air tram, admiring the beautiful authentically restored Victorian homes and gingerbread cottages, lining the narrow and twisting roads. Nestled among the foothills of Arkansas, the entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places On the grounds of The Great Passion Play, depicting the final week and climax of Christ’s walk on earth, is the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, the second largest statue of Christ in the world.

In BRANSON, we enjoyed the Showboat Branson Belle, on Table Rock Lake; Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner theatre and show; the Lawrence Welk Show, at the Champagne Theater; the Bobby Vinton Show, with the Glenn Miller Orchestra; the Shoji Tabuchi Show (the number one show in Branson); the Mel Tillis show; the Mickey Gilley Show; and the Jennifer Show.

The PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL was a stunning sight, that wasinspired by the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and located near Carthage, Missouri, in the scenic Ozarks of Southwest Missouri. Samuel L. Butcher had a dream. It was to share the message of God’s love with the World, and as gratitude for God’s blessings in his life. A struggling, young artist, Samuel created his first Precious Moments drawing in 1974, and the next year, Precious Moments was introduced to the public. “It is my prayer,” the artist said, “that through my work in the Chapel, I might share my faith with others, and that the Spirit of God might touch the visitors’ hearts, and bring them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

Now a renowned artist, he prayed in1984, for the Lord to lead him to a new home, where he could create a masterpiece for the Lord. This brought Samuel to Carthage, where a house overlooking Center Creek near Carthage, was to be his future home. He fulfilled his lifelong dream, of reaching out to people with a message of God’s love, the Precious Moments Chapel.

Samuel called his well-known figurine collectibles ,  thebulb-headed, child-like figurines with teardrop eyes, “Precious Moments. Many of them, looking like baby angels with wings, were cast as angels, Biblical prophets, or figures from the parables of Jesus.

Samuel earned a scholarship to the College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. Now is a multi-millionaire, he surrounded his Chapel with acres of parklike land, a museum, a convention center featuring live musical acts, and more.

He has hand-painted about 84Biblical murals and frescoes, covering approximately 9,000 square feet of fine art, that decorate the walls and ceilings. We also enjoyed his thirty exquisite stained-glass windowsthat grace theChapelwith luxuriantcolors ;  magnificent hand-carved wood doors, elaborate designs in the ironwork gates, and bronze work.

We saw the large mural called “Hallelujah Square,” his crowning work. Baby angels held “Welcome to our Heavenly Home” signs, as a deceased child arrived in Heaven. In the center of the mural is Christ, the only adult shown in the Chapel. The wonderful artwork, and collection of Samuel J. Butcher, is cherished throughout the world, and these photos of mine show some of the artwork we saw in the Chapel, which opened in 1989to reach out to people with a message of God’s love.

Lloyd and I delighted in the manicured grounds and gardens, featuring flowering plants of numerous stunning varieties, with each season having its own beauty. Along the Avenue of Angels, sunlight and shadows created an area of quiet.

The Fountain of Angels is an engineering masterpiece, with old world craftsmanship meeting state-of-the-art technology. There are about 252 four-foot-high carved bronze angels, and animal sculptures, gracing the fountain, some of them weighing as much as 1,000 pounds each. We saw dozens of geysers and water jets, designed by the world’s leading fountain experts. The central water jet shoots tens of thousands of gallons of water almost 100 feet in the air. The water used in a performance is held in a 100,000-gallon underground reservoir, being recycled throughout the show. It was interesting to learn that during peak formations, 16,000 gallons of water are pumped through the fountain per minute, equivalent to a standard sized swimming pool.

The beautiful Wedding Island ,  where visitors can get married, features a turn-of-the-century church and a Victorian mansion. However, in 2007, there was a termination of some of the attractions, including the Wedding Island,” along with the “Fountain of Angels.” Fortunately, the Precious Moments Chapel is still there.

Samuel’s personal tombstone stands outside the charming chapel, engraved “I trust that when I’m gone, our visitors may find great comfort in the work of art that I have left behind.”

Samuel has spent the majority of the 21st century living in Southeast Asia, and he opened a boutique resort in the Philippines, even including a smaller Precious Moments Chapel there.

His Precious Moments Chapel, a theme park located at 4321 Chapel Road in Carthage Missouri, is an imaginative work of art with love, hopefulness, a special sanctuary of peace and inspiration. The Chapel is Samuel L. Butcher’s way of Thanksgiving to the Lord, and which has become a 20th century masterpiece.

After enjoying an excellent buffet luncheon in Tiffany’s Restaurant, in an exquisite setting, with lovely window etchings, we continued our journey, on to our next adventure.

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Attraction:

Precious Moments Park and Chapel

Carthage, Missouri

In 1985 the world's hottest figurine collectibles were Precious Moments. Their bulb-headed, anime-eyed, nearly mouthless children -- many portrayed as baby angels with stubby wings -- were in nearly every grandmother's curio cabinet. Founder and creator Samuel J. Butcher, a former janitor, was a newly-minted multi-millionaire.

Then God spoke to Sam Butcher. He told him to rent a car and find a spot where Sam could create a masterpiece for the Lord.

The spot turned out to be just outside of Carthage, Missouri, and the masterpiece -- inspired by the Sistine Chapel in Rome -- is the Precious Moments Chapel. Its interior has been painted by Butcher with biblical murals and frescoes -- not Michelangelo masterpieces, but cartoon art populated with bulb-headed Precious Moments children.

Sam spent four years painting the chapel, then opened it to the public. With money pouring in from his collectibles empire, he surrounded his chapel with acres of parklike land, a Precious Moments museum, a convention center, a performing "Fountain of Angels" that featured live musical acts, a "Wedding Island" where visitors could get married, and a mini-mall of Precious Moments gift shops. All of it was free.

The sands of time (and changes in public taste) eventually slowed the juggernaut that was Precious Moments. In 2007 most of the park's ancillary attractions were closed. But what remains is still free, and its centerpiece is still the Precious Moments Chapel.

Walking tours of the chapel leave the mini-mall every hour (Visiting the Precious Moments Chapel is a breeze compared to the Sistine Chapel). Groups stroll a cement pathway lined with waist-high baby angel statues, many of them dedicated to dead children. The guide tells the story behind Sam's labors: how he spent more than 500 hours on his back atop a 35-foot-high scaffold painting 75 baby angels on the ceiling. "Mr. Butcher," said our guide, "would deliberately tear most of the major seams in his clothing, leaving room enough to freely climb."

(The guide told us that the two most asked questions on Precious Moments tours are, "Where's Mrs. Butcher?" -- the Butchers are divorced and she lives out of state -- and, "What color is his dog?")

Our group gazed at the Precious Moments paintings, covering nearly every interior surface of the chapel, "over 5,000 square feet of fine art," said our guide. Two baby angels with flashlights portray the biblical passage, "And God said, 'Let there be light.'" Several baby angels, including two black angels, play basketball with the Earth. Many people, our guide said, have had religious experiences in this chapel based on collectible figurines. No babies cry ("They never do," said our guide).

The wall behind the altar is filled with Sam's crowning work, Hallelujah Square. It depicts a dead child arriving in heaven. Several baby angels hold signs reading, "Welcome To Your Heavenly Home." The sign with "Welcome" is held upside down, as cute children will sometimes do. Others in Hallelujah Square romp and frolic with adorable animals. In the center of the mural is a ministering Christ. He is the only adult depicted in the entire chapel.

Sam Butcher, like George Lucas, has gone back over time and altered his original masterpiece, adding Precious Moments versions of his mother, military personnel, and others who have died. Young people in our group were invited to sit next to the mural and "imagine yourself" as part of it. "This is so sad," said one, a cheerleader.

In a pew-filled back room, still part of the tour, there is a tribute to Sam's son, Philip, who died in a car crash. One wall is filled with a painting of Philip's bedroom. Above his empty bed, on puffy clouds, baby angels hold signs reading, "Welcome Home, Philip." Philip was 27 when he died, but nowhere in the room is he shown as an adult.

Other rooms display pictures of dead people, mostly children, who have been turned into Precious Moments caricatures. Their portraits are provided as a reference if you want to go back into the chapel to find them. Huge, leather-bound ledgers are filled with handwritten messages from visitors to dead friends and relatives.

Sam's personal tombstone stands outside the chapel, engraved, in part:

I trust that when I'm gone Our visitors may find Great comfort in the work of art That I have left behind

Although Sam Butcher is still alive, you're unlikely to see him at Precious Moments Park. He has spent most of the 21st century living in Southeast Asia, where in 2006 he opened a boutique resort with the first year-round Christmas shop in the Philippines, and its own, smaller, Precious Moments Chapel.

More on Precious Moments Park and Chapel

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A Stay Worth Experiencing!

Sat, May 18

Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens

Precious Moments Summer Kick-Off

Checkout summer kick-off at the Chapel from 9:30am-5:00pm. Join them for FREE family-friendly activities and a special Chapel tour!

Time & Location

May 18, 2024, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens, 4321 S Chapel Rd, Carthage, MO 64836, USA

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The History Of Precious Moments, Part 6: Hallelujah Square And The Precious Moments Chapel

Nov 30th 2017

The History Of Precious Moments, Part 6: Hallelujah Square And The Precious Moments Chapel

In a previous post , we wrote about Sam's visit to Italy, his appreciation for the Sistine Chapel, and how that inspired the design of the Precious Moments Chapel.

The ceilings and walls are adorned with lovingly painted scenes of stories from the Bible, with characters represented in the now-iconic Precious Moments style, causing this awe-inspiring gem of the Ozarks to be referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of North America”.

“When I came to Missouri, I experienced what I consider a miracle. It happened in Carthage and the experience stayed with me, lifting me up even in the loneliest hours of my journey through the Chapel,” said Sam. “Ever since the Lord blessed me with the success of Precious Moments, I wanted to build a Chapel to glorify His name. So I did.” - Sam Butcher, the founder of Precious Moments

Sam Butcher Designs The Gates For The Precious Moments Chapel

1985 was an important year in the history of Precious Moments; it's the year that Sam Butcher broke ground for the Precious Moments Chapel. The physical design of the building is based on a chapel that Sam stumbled upon during his trip through the Italian countryside.

84 hand-painted murals and 30 stained-glass windows depicting stories from both the Old Testament and New Testament adorn the inside of the Precious Moments Chapel. However, as the building of the structure took place, and before a drop of paint was put on a wall, Sam began his work at the very front.

He designed the iron gates and the fence on a series of four paper napkins that he drew on while he drank tea in a coffee shop halfway around the world in the Philippines. The gate-maker was originally reluctant to take on the project due to its complexity; however, Mr. Butcher expressed his confidence in the craftsman and won him over. One and a half years later, 200 feet of this exquisite gate and fence was finished and shipped to Carthage. Sam Butcher's passionate determination has certainly played a big part in the history of Precious Moments!

The Entry To The Precious Moments Chapel: Designed For God's Glory

Once the doors were in place, Sam was confronted with the enormity of his project. He felt overwhelmed when he looked inside at the tall blank walls and became depressed. During these times, Sam prayed to the Lord for the strength to carry on. When the Lord delivered that strength, Sam used it to tackle the hardest task of all - painting a large mural on the 30-foot high chapel ceiling. The angelic scene that Sam created on that ceiling is still one of the most beloved murals of all in the Precious Moments Chapel.

The History Of Precious Moments: Painting The Chapel Ceiling

Looking upward toward a heavenly sky.

While Sam painted the ceiling, his grandchildren created their own masterpieces on the industrial paper laid down below to protect the marble floor from dripping paint. More importantly, the exuberant laughter and silly interactions between the master artist and his “apprentices” filled the hollow room with life and love.

“I can truly say it was the Lord who enabled me to accomplish that part of the project,” Sam Butcher, describing his feelings about painting the 1400 square foot ceiling of the Precious Moments Chapel.

In the end, this project took every bit of three and half months to complete. Once he finished painting the ceiling masterpiece, Sam truly appreciated the scene of cherubic angels flying among beautiful clouds. The painting reminded him that angels were not only watching over the development of the chapel; they were watching over his grandchildren as they played inside the empty Sanctuary while he painted the rest of the murals.

A Perfect Imperfection: One Blue Angel

Today, Chapel tour guides are sure to point out a blue angel along the edge of the ceiling.

       “I left a reminder of my belief it was only God’s grace that allowed me to finish the ceiling, in the form of a painted blue angel. I’d been working 18 to 20 hours a day for weeks and one exhausting night, feeling discouraged, I didn’t think I could carry on. I’d outlined an angel in blue and was preparing to paint in the flesh when I gave up and left the Chapel.

 I prayed for divine strength so I could keep painting and my prayers were answered with a sense of energy filling me. When I returned to the Chapel, I chose to leave the blue angel unfinished as a reminder that this is where the entire project would have ended if not f or the continued strength given to me by God. It is also a reminder that God is not finished with any of us yet.” – Sam Butcher

The Precious Moments Chapel: A Work In Progress

Since Sam has always seen the Chapel as his life’s work, he has always treated it as an ongoing project. Twenty-five years after he first painted the Chapel ceiling, Sam decided to repaint the clouds. The dark color bothered him, so he repainted the grey clouds with a lighter shade of violet.

To this day, visitors will occasionally find Sam up in the air making changes or additions to murals. The history of Precious Moments is bound to include more interesting chapters about the Precious Moments Chapel in the future.

The History Of Precious Moments: Sam Butcher Creates  Hallelujah Square

Hallelujah square : heaven through the eyes of a child.

The most beloved painting is the floor-to-ceiling mural at the far end of the Sanctuary known as Hallelujah Square . This glorious painting is twenty-six feet high, and serves as the focal point of the Precious Moments Chapel.

“ Heaven, as seen through the eyes of a child.”- Sam Butcher's theme for Hallelujah Square

Filled with depictions of people known to Sam, many of whom have passed on to their Heavenly home, it is truly a glorious sight to behold. In addition,  Hallelujah Square is the only painting in the Chapel with Sam Butcher’s signature. This means that the painting is finished and will never be modified.

After he painted a white dove in front of his mother, the peacemaker in the family, Sam Butcher signed the painting in 2009, but he wasn't actually finished.

The founder of Precious Moments was not happy with his signature, so he wiped it away and signed it again. The next morning, Sam wiped away his signature again. He told the tour guide that he had lain awake all night; He couldn't stop thinking that his signature was too large. It seemed egotistical to him. After Sam Butcher signed Hallelujah Square carefully one last time, he felt satisfied at last. This third and final signature represents the "final" last change to this glorious painting.

Developing The Theme For Hallelujah Square

Since the painting looks perfect to those who’ve seen it, it’s difficult to believe it took Sam two years of contemplation before landing on the subject of the large mural. Sam knew this painting would be the first painting that visitors would be drawn to, due to its size and location. In addition, he wanted the theme of the mural to reflect his deep belief that within each of us is the hope of Jesus Christ.

Hallelujah Square speaks to many visitors on a personal level. This is especially true because the figures in this painting often remind people of their loved ones. In the Tim Ryan Memorial Room, visitors can read about the fascinating true stories behind many of the painting’s figures.  Hallelujah Square is filled with rich stories, and we’re delighted to share one of those stories from the history of Precious Moments here.

The Founder of Precious Moments Recalls Stories of Hallelujah Square

Down at the bottom right of the stairs is a little fellow with a bucket of suds scrubbing the wall. This represents Sam's brother Ray. Ray Butcher took great pride in his lifelong work as a janitor for the public schools. When Ray spoke of retirement, Sam was inspired to rush off and paint this image. 20 minutes later, he returned to his brother, telling Ray that he'd given him a job for all of eternity! This image of Ray was the first living person painted into Hallelujah Square .

Memorable Moments With Sam Butcher

Sam Butcher reflects:

“I believe Hallelujah Square has the most beautiful message of inspiration in the Chapel. It represents this verse in the Bible where it says, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ I believe that is the message."- Sam Butcher

Sam Butcher's memory of painting the halo on Timmy the Angel is especially moving:

"There are many wonderful vignettes in this painting [Hallelujah Square], especially Timmy. There are a lot of children that have passed away, things that have happened, that I’ve included in that mural but Timmy the Angel at the gate welcoming a little girl is a special one for me,” Sam reveals.” I’d painted that mural, and continued to work on all the other murals, but it was probably about a year later I realized Timmy the Angel didn’t have a halo, so I called together those who had assisted me during the painting process and we had a little celebration where I painted the halo on Timmy.” - Sam Butcher

In addition, Sam smiles when he recalls this memory:

“When I was painting the waterfall in Hallelujah Square, the sanctuary was filled with people. I was so excited when I was painting the waterfall I unexpectedly dropped my brush and it fell to the ground. I was too shy to go down and retrieve it with everyone there, so I continued painting the waterfall using my fingers." - Sam Butcher

The Center Of Hallelujah Square

Finally, this moment in the history of Precious Moments brings it all into focus:

“With the building of the Chapel, I always wanted Jesus to be the center of all that would be accomplished. Sometime after I’d begun the painting of Hallelujah Square, I went to stand in the balcony of the sanctuary to get proper perspective on the mural, which was difficult to see when I was up close to it. It was at this moment I stood in amazement to discover I’d painted Jesus in the center of Hallelujah Square. Before I’d begun painting it, I’d prayed to the Lord to make Jesus the center of all I was creating. I knew then my prayer had been answered.” - Sam Butcher

Meeting Sam Butcher, The Founder Of Precious Moments

Many visitors to the Chapel hope to meet Sam Butcher, the founder of Precious Moments. Usually, this is not possible due to Sam’s travels and the sheer number of visitors. Once in a while though, Sam Butcher surprises visitors with his presence.

One day while he was painting the Chapel, Sam Butcher made his way to the garden for a short break. Wearing paint-splattered clothes as usual, the humble artist did not look like the founder of Precious Moments. A woman stopped him and asked Sam a simple question: "Are you a painter?" Sam’s response to her was just as simple: “Yes.”

As they sat together in the Precious Moments chapel gardens, Sam asked the woman if she liked the Chapel. She responded that she liked it very much, not knowing that she was talking with the founder of Precious Moments.

As the conversation continued, Sam invited his new friend to lunch at the Precious Moments Chapel restaurant.

After she said thank you to Sam for the pleasant meal, the woman said: “You know who I’d really like to have lunch with? Sam Butcher, the artist who created all this beauty.” Sam replied with a smile and a handshake: “You just did.”

This is a cherished chapter in the history of Precious Moments. It's a moment that truly captures the deep humility and kindness of our founder, Sam Butcher.

The Ongoing Beauty And Inspiration of the Precious Moments Chapel  

“I call the Chapel my life’s work. Many have asked when the Chapel will be finished. I can only say, perhaps never.” - Sam Butcher

Sam Butcher has only signed one mural since the Chapel opened nearly three decades ago. His inclination appears to be holding true.

The Precious Moments Chapel has provided beauty, inspiration, and comfort to millions of visitors through the years. In addition to the features we discussed in this post, there are dozens of murals, hand-made stained-glass windows and special rooms and additions. Sam created Philip’s Room and Timmy’s Tower in honor of two of his sons who have passed. He also created the Tim Ryan Memorial Room to honor all who have passed. These rooms are designed to comfort and inspire people with faith, hope and love.

Thank you so much for reading this blog post. We hope you can visit us soon at the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri!

Learn More About The History Of Precious Moments 

You've just read Part 6 of The History Of Precious Moments. If you'd like to read more about our history, please click on a title below:

Part 1, Sam Butcher's Faithful Path To A Dream

Part 2, The Founding Of Jonathan And David

Part 3, From Paper To Porcelain

Part 4, The Original 21 Precious Moments Figurines

Part 5, The Faithful Journey To The Precious Moments Chapel

Timmy's Tower

Thank you so much for reading our post, and may God bless you in all His miraculous ways.

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4. Fountain Vdokhnoveniye

5. Fountain World Clock

6. Fountain Zolotoi Kolos

7. Fontain Rotunda Natalya and Aleksandr

8. Fountain-Monument Princess Turandot

9. The Geyser Fountain

10. Monument-Fountain Clown

11. Fountain Adam and Eve

12. Vitali Fountain

13. Fountain Abduction of Europe

14. Fountain Stone Flower

15. Fontain at Rizhskiy Railway Station

16. Pushkinskiy Fountain

17. Fountain Music of Glory

18. Fountain

What travelers are saying.

• Fountain Druzhba Narodov
• Fountain Stone Flower
• Fountain World Clock
• Aquarium Garden
• Fountain Zolotoi Kolos
• Fountain-Monument Princess Turandot
• The Geyser Fountain
• Monument-Fountain Clown

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

Best Moscow Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Moscow Tours by Price

Top Moscow Attractions & Experiences

Moscow Tours & Travel Guide

Moscow Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

See all Moscow reviews

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Welcome To Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens

Precious moments chapel, gardens & fountains, a destination of peace, hope, and promise, samuel j. butcher museum, events & groups, on-site dining, precious moments foundation.

Welcome to the Precious Moments Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an emphasis in the arts. We are dedicated to keeping the Precious Moments Chapel free of charge for all visitors to enjoy the art and inspiration of Precious Moments Founding Artist, Samuel J. Butcher.

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