"The 18th century is the key period in Russian history, an epoch of radical European-style reforms in the country," museum general director Alexander Shkurko said in a RIA Novosti interview.
According to him, the exhibition covering the history of the rule of Peter the Great (1672-1725), Elizabeth I (1709-1761), Catherine the Great (1729-1796) and Paul I (1754-1801) is a success.
"It is impossible to name everyone who contributed to Russia's glory in the 18th century. Among them were great scientists (Mikhail Lomonosov) and commanders (Alexander Suvorov)," Mr. Shkurko noted.
In his words, the exhibition features over 2,000 relics of the 18th century - paintings, dresses, orders, weapons, chinaware and medals.
Visitors are highly interested in the medal "For Hard Drinking", a collar with a cast-iron star weighing over 4 kg. It was handed to workers of the Demidov plants.
A huge brass figure symbolizing glory can be seen by the entrance to the exhibition. In the 18th century it decorated the famous red triumphal gates in Moscow.
After a yearlong restoration the ceremonial portrait of Emperor Peter the Great is presented at the exhibition. According to Alexander Shkurko, this portrait is very valuable because it was painted in the czar's lifetime in the 1700s.
