GUM (department store)
Church Historic Moscow department store and Soviet-era icon
Moscow’s GUM faces Red Square with late‑19th‑century steel‑and‑glass arcades; shoppers and architecture watchers visit its boutiques, cafés and historic interior.
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GUM (Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin) is the historic state department store facing Red Square in central Moscow, known for its long glass-roofed shopping arcades. The building dates to the late 19th century and is a landmark of central Moscow’s urban frontage.
The store comprises parallel shopping galleries beneath a vaulted glass-and-iron roof and hosts multiple retail spaces and cafes across its levels. The façade fronts Red Square opposite the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, making it a focal point for visitors and locals.
The present building was constructed in the late 19th century as a commercial arcade and has served various retail and state functions through the 20th century; it remains one of Moscow’s most prominent shopping and architectural landmarks.
GUM is located directly on Red Square in central Moscow, within walking distance of the Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, and other central landmarks.
- Arcade roof: The building's interior features several parallel arcades covered by a long glass-and-iron roof, forming an enclosed shopping arcade that faces Red Square.
How to Get to GUM (department store) #
GUM sits on Red Square in central Moscow beside the Kremlin; it’s easiest reached on foot from central metro stops. The nearest stations are Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii - all a very short walk (a few minutes) to Red Square.
If driving, GUM is in central Moscow (Manezhnaya/Red Square area); traffic restrictions and limited parking mean public transit is generally recommended.
Tips for Visiting GUM (department store) #
- Go right at opening or late in the afternoon to enjoy the GUM arcade's glass-roofed interior with far fewer tour groups and unobstructed views of the historic architecture.
- Enter directly from Red Square for the most atmospheric approach and to step straight into the central promenade; security checks on the Red Square side are the usual route.
- Don't miss the upper-level walkways and food hall - they offer good vantage points over Red Square and a quieter place to sit away from the ground-floor shops.
- Avoid midday on weekends and major holidays when tourist groups and souvenir shoppers flood the store; if you need specific brands, check shop opening times - some boutiques open later than the mall itself.
Best Time to Visit GUM (department store) #
For the quietest visit, go on weekday mornings outside major holidays when GUM is least crowded.
Weather & Climate near GUM (department store) #
GUM (department store)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (721 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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