Russian culture thrives in Minneapolis

Visitors who enter the Museum of Russian Art find the Spanish-style building holds examples of Russian culture and history, according to museum volunteer Matt Esler.

From the outside, the museum may look modest, but the inside holds many unknown historical gems, according to Esler.

“I think, when it comes right down to it, we are hidden in plain sight,” Esler said. “You can actually see this building from (Highway) 35.”

The museum currently features three exhibits, showcasing pieces from collections as far away as Florida and as near as Wisconsin, according to Esler. The lower level exhibit, “Russian Samovars,” holds traditional Russian boilers used to make tea. The middle level holds the collection of porcelain eggs and the “Romance in Soviet Art” exhibit, which continues onto the third floor.

Museum director Vladimir Tsurikov said he thinks students will enjoy the next exhibit, “Faces of War: Russia in World War I (1914-1918),” opening Sept. 26.

According to Tsurikov, the multimedia exhibit will include audio, movies and touchscreens, as well as photographs from seven different countries. Tsurikov said he hopes the multimedia will attract students.

Sophomore Madeline deForge said even though she has never been to the Museum of Russian Art, she and her peers would be interested in visiting the exhibits.

“I like when you can interact with the art,” deForge said. “I don’t know many people that know about Russian art. They would probably like to go and do something new.”

Sophomore Adam Recknagel said he enjoyed his visit to the museum and thinks people should learn about Russian culture.

“It really tied in the culture and personal experiences with the art,” Recknagel said. “I would go back to see what other exhibits they have going on.”

Tsurikov said he thinks students will benefit from visiting the museum because he believes it is important for young people to learn about other cultures.

“For any student obviously it is important to understand different cultures and to try to open their minds, to learn more about different cultures, their customs, their experiences, their language,” Tsurikov said. “And this is a wonderful way to do that, through the art.”

According to Tsurikov, the museum attracts a variety of visitors interested in culture and history.

“In every single exhibition, you will see a theme that deals with the larger Russian experience whether it’s in art or history,” Tsurikov said. “At the same time it is not limited to an audience that is narrowly interested in all things Russia.”

Admission to the Museum of Russian Art costs $5 for students and $9 for adults. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.