Best Places to Buy Affordable Books and Art in Moscow - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

Moscow is a city brimming with rich culture, history, and artistic heritage. For those who are keen on exploring the world of literature and art, Moscow offers a wide range of places where you can find affordable books and art. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, here are some of the best spots to buy books and art without breaking the bank.

1. Moscow’s Book Markets

1.1. Book Market at Red Square

• Location: Near GUM on Red Square
• The Red Square Book Market is an outdoor market where you can find secondhand books and vintage editions at affordable prices. This is a fantastic place for book lovers who want to explore a diverse range of Russian literature, poetry, and art books.
• What to Expect: You’ll find books in various languages, including Russian and English. There are old Soviet books, travel guides, and art catalogs, making it a great spot to find hidden gems. The vendors are often willing to negotiate on prices.

1.2. Biblio-Globus

• Location: Maroseyka Street, close to Kitai-Gorod
• Biblio-Globus is one of Moscow’s largest and most popular bookshops, offering an extensive selection of Russian literature, art books, and foreign books. Though it is a large store, you can still find many affordable options, especially in the discount sections.
• What to Expect: The store features books on history, culture, art, and Soviet-era literature. It also has an impressive selection of art books and photography books, ideal for those looking to buy art-related literature. Look for their special offers and discounted sections for more affordable options.

2. Bookshops with Affordable Books

2.1. Moscow’s Central House of Artists (TsDK)

• Location: Krymsky Val Street, near Gorky Park
• The Central House of Artists (TsDK) is a cultural space for art exhibitions, but it also has a bookshop that focuses on art and architecture books. You can find affordable books on Russian art, modern art, photography, and design.
• What to Expect: The shop has affordable art books, often from exhibitions or local artists, as well as art catalogs. There are also books on Soviet art, Russian history, and other subjects related to art history.

2.2. Moscow House of Books (Dom Knigi)

• Location: Novy Arbat Street
• The Moscow House of Books is a large bookstore chain with branches around the city. Located on Novy Arbat, it offers a wide selection of Russian and international books at relatively affordable prices.
• What to Expect: The store offers a good selection of fiction, non-fiction, art books, and children’s books. They also have a discount section where you can find great deals on books in a variety of genres.

2.3. Podpisnye Izdaniya (Subscription Books)

• Location: Myasnitskaya Street
• This smaller, more specialized bookstore focuses on Russian literature, art books, and photography books. It’s the perfect spot to find rare and unique books on Russian culture, art, and history at affordable prices.
• What to Expect: Podpisnye Izdaniya is known for its curated selection of special editions and art books, many of which are more affordable compared to larger bookstores in Moscow. It’s ideal for those interested in Russian history and art books that are harder to find elsewhere.

3. Art Galleries and Markets for Affordable Art

3.1. Izmailovsky Market (Izmailovo Flea Market)

• Location: Izmailovo District
• For affordable art, traditional crafts, and Soviet-era memorabilia, head to Izmailovsky Market. This flea market is a great spot to buy affordable paintings, handmade crafts, and artworks by local artists.
• What to Expect: You can find affordable prints of classic Russian art, Soviet-era posters, and hand-painted artworks. If you’re willing to negotiate, you can score some great deals.

3.2. VDNH (Vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva)

• Location: VDNH Exhibition Center
• The VDNH complex hosts various art exhibitions and fairs where you can find affordable art. Many local artists showcase their work at pop-up markets and exhibitions throughout the year, offering everything from paintings to photographs.
• What to Expect: The market here is a great place to find affordable, original artwork by emerging artists. Keep an eye out for art fairs or special art events held at the VDNH, as they often feature lower-priced art from local talent.

3.3. Art Markets and Pop-Up Galleries in the Center

• Location: Various locations, especially in Kitai-Gorod and Arbat
• Pop-up art markets are frequently held in Moscow’s historical center, especially in areas like Kitai-Gorod and Arbat. These markets feature a variety of local artists and their works, often at very affordable prices.
• What to Expect: You’ll find paintings, drawings, and photographs at lower prices compared to galleries. Many of these works are original pieces, giving you the chance to discover emerging Russian talent without spending a fortune.

4. Affordable Art Shops in Moscow

4.1. Gallery of Modern Art

• Location: Tverskaya Street
• This small but stylish gallery offers affordable prints, affordable reproductions of famous paintings, and original pieces by emerging Russian artists. It’s an ideal place for buying art that reflects modern Russian creativity without spending a lot.
• What to Expect: Affordable prints and modern art pieces by local and international artists, plus the opportunity to purchase art at a lower cost compared to larger galleries in Moscow.

4.2. ArtPlay Design Center

• Location: Yauza River
• The ArtPlay Design Center is a hub for creative minds in Moscow, and within it, you can find an affordable art gallery that showcases the work of young Russian artists.
• What to Expect: This is an excellent spot for emerging art at affordable prices, from contemporary paintings to sculpture and photography. The focus is on young talent, and you can often find original works priced lower than in traditional galleries.

Conclusion: Finding Affordable Books and Art in Moscow

Moscow offers an abundance of places where you can find affordable books and art, whether you’re looking for classic Russian literature, art books, or original artwork by local artists. From book markets and secondhand bookstores to art galleries and flea markets, there are plenty of places to explore for budget-friendly items.

• For books, check out Biblio-Globus, Podpisnye Izdaniya, or the Red Square Book Market.
• For art, explore Izmailovsky Market, VDNH, or ArtPlay Design Center to find unique and affordable works.

With a little exploration, you can uncover some hidden gems that perfectly capture the artistic spirit of Moscow. Whether you’re a book lover or an art enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of affordable options to take home a piece of Russia’s creative culture.