MINNEAPOLIS.- The Museum of Russian Art, the only museum in the United States dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of Russian art created during the Soviet era, 1921-1991, will open its doors to the public on Mon., May 9 at its new facility, located at 5500 Stevens Avenue South in Minneapolis.

Once the home of the Mayflower Church, the renovated and remodeled 11,000 sq. ft. Spanish Revival building, located off Interstate 35W at Diamond Lake Road, includes multiple exhibition galleries, a museum gift shop and a separate seminar hall, in addition to administrative offices.

“The new and permanent facility has been chosen not only for the ambience, but also for its abundant space that will enable us to pursue our educational mission more fully,” said Raymond E. Johnson, founder of The Museum of Russian Art. “Additionally, the convenient location will allow for even more people to view this historical and aesthetically important Russian art.“

The First Exhibition: “In the Russian Tradition”

The first exhibition in the new facility, "In the Russian Tradition: A Historic Collection of 20th Century Russian Paintings," is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution's International Gallery in Washington, D.C. through April 10. “In the Russian Tradition” includes 50 paintings from Moscow's State Tretyakov Gallery and The Museum of Russian Art.

The exhibition is a historic collection of works that chronicle more than 100 years of Russian life in peace and turmoil with insight and sensitivity. The body of work includes portraits, landscapes and genre paintings that exemplify the various periods of Russian Realist art. These paintings were created by 46 renowned artists in the former USSR who are now earning respect throughout the world of art, as more art aficionados become familiar with their work. “In the Russian Tradition” will be on display at The Museum of Russian Art May 9 through July 31.

The New Museum of Russian Art Announces Grand Opening

“Due to the political isolation of the Soviet Union during the Cold War years, the world outside Russia is just beginning to discover the quality of the art created in the country during this time period,” said Bradford Shinkle IV, president and director of The Museum of Russian Art. “We are pleased to exhibit this extraordinary art in Minneapolis and be a part of the city’s prominent art community.”