Virtually all museums have storage facilities. The unique feature of the Tretyakov GalleryΓÇÖs storage facilities is that they take up an entire building, which was specifically designed and built to meet the museumΓÇÖs needs and requirements. It has everything, including a custom-built area for the packaging, loading and unloading of works of art. Its underground level contains maintenance works and rooms for the storage of frames, furniture and props to support sculptures. Its three floors house restoration workshops and storage rooms. Pullout netted panels, which allow access to examine items, contain icons, paintings, artistic frames and other exhibits. Large canvases are stored rolled up on special reels. Graphic sheets are placed into files, which are stored in special wooden cabinets. The wood used to make the cabinets takes 25 years to dry and are biologically uncontaminated. Such wood does not emit any chemical substances that could damage fragile paper.

     The depository contains a quarantine facility for works of art whose origin may be in question, from the point of view of their condition or "health". New works of art are also kept here. Before being placed in the main store they are kept in the quarantine area and examined for the presence of any biological organisms. When necessary, they undergo various types of treatment.

     The volume of art work kept in the depository is very high. However, often the work is displayed in monographic and thematic exhibitions. They also replace permanent exhibits on loan to exhibitions or required by the restoration department. The Gallery has very few items that have not been on display at some time or other.