Russia is one of the largest countries in the world with an ancient, rich, cultural and artistic heritage. Yet, strange to say, Russian art and culture are almost unknown in the US. Filling this gap is the mission of the Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. TMORA is the only museum in North America that focuses on the art of Russia. it is a tiny place, housed in a 75-year old Spanish Revival style mansion that was once a Congregational church and a funeral home. The vaulted and beamed ceilings of the main exposition hall and mezzanine are ideal for the large canvases depicting landscapes and portraits of everyday life in Russia. The current exhibit (through February 2011) showcases the art of Vasili Nechitailo, one of the most renowned Russian painters of the 20th century. His works, mostly oil on canvas, document day-to-day life in southern Russia with emotion and feeling.

The basement, with its dramatic lighting, is a versatile area which has housed exhibits such as the photographs of Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii, photographer to Tsar Nicholas II. Prokudin-Gorskii conducted a survey of the Silk Road across the southern reaches of the Empire from the Caucasus through Central Asia. Using a spring-operated camera of his own design, he took photographs through different color filters, producing his colorful final image by merging the three shots together. His photographs focus on everyday life in such mystical cities as Samarkand and Bukhara.

The current exhibit includes over 140 pieces of Russian porcelain produced during the time of the Tsars by the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg. As you stroll through the exhibition, imagine yourself dining off this exquisite hand-painted porcelain in the company of kings and princes.

Tucked away on the top floor, down corridors and almost hidden stairways, you step into the magical Izba gift shop. At this time of the year, it is decorated with a huge Christmas tree, covered in Russian ornaments. Tiny lights sparkle as they are reflected in the china and glass ornaments interspersed with garland. Russian classical music plays softly in the background as patrons sips cups of hot Russian tea, steeping near the door.

This is the place to pick up a Matryoshka doll. These colorful wooden nesting dolls (sometimes up to 32 dolls, decreasing in size) depict everything from folk tales to the political leaders of Russia. Said to have been inspired by Japanese nesting dolls, the doll was reinvented in Moscow about 100 years ago. During Soviet times the dolls were identical, produced in large-scale factories. After the fall of the Soviet Union, individual artists began to produce their own unique versions. Last year TMORA sponsored an exhibition with hundreds of these dolls, now considered a rich, emerging Russian art form.

Or consider a Russian lacquer box (presently exhibited in the Fireside Gallery). These papier-mache miniature boxes are a tradition that dates to the 18th century, depicting fairy tales and scenes from everyday life. Finally, if you want to prolong your Russian experience, pick up some tea to take home with you, an excellent way to warm up when you come in from the snowy Minnesota winter. The taste will ensure that you come back to TMORA

IF YOU GO
The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) is located at 5500 Stevens Ave. South, Minneapolis, (on the southwest corner of the intersection of I-35 and Diamond Lake Road in Southwest Minneapolis (www.tmora.org; Tel 612-821-9045).

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