The Museum of Russian Art

Not many expect to encounter a true island of Eastern European culture in the heart of the American Midwest. The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA), located in Minneapolis, is the only institution of its kind in the USA whose mission is entirely dedicated to exploring and showcasing the artistic heritage of Russia and the countries of the former USSR.

The museum occupies the majestic building of the former Mayflower Church, whose architecture emphasizes the solemnity of the masterpieces housed within. The collection's core consists of 20th-century Russian realist painting, including unique works from the Soviet era that remained largely unknown to Western audiences for a long time. Here, one can see canvases by masters such as Gely Korzhev and the Tkachev brothers.

Beyond paintings, the museum's holdings include over 10,000 exhibits spanning a wide range of styles: from ancient icons and exquisite photography to folk crafts, lacquer miniatures, and national costumes. This site has become an important platform for cultural dialogue, presenting several rotating exhibitions annually.

To find out the latest information about current exhibitions or to book group tours, you can contact the museum administration directly. The staff is always ready to help visitors plan their visit and answer questions about the accessibility of displays. It is also recommended to check the official website to view the calendar of upcoming lectures and workshops.

Within the museum's halls, a sweeping panorama of Russian artistic expression unfolds before visitors. You can spend hours examining the detailed canvases in the socialist realism style, studying the delicate work of lacquer miniature masters, or admiring the bright colors of traditional folk toys and embroidery. The collections of Orthodox icons and rare specimens of amber are of particular interest.

TMORA is not just an exhibition space, but also an active educational center. Guests are invited to attend lecture series by leading experts and participate in themed seminars and workshops that help provide a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of the works on display. For those who want to discover more hidden facts about the collection, organized guided tours are available.

Don't forget to stop by the Russian gift shop at the museum, which is considered one of the best places in the city to find authentic souvenirs. Here, you can purchase folk crafts, art books, and unique gifts that will serve as a wonderful reminder of your visit to this unusual "temple of culture" in the middle of Minneapolis.

The museum is located at 5500 Stevens Ave in the southern part of the city. Travelers preferring to drive will find it convenient to get here from downtown in 15–20 minutes via major highways; parking is available on the museum grounds and in the adjacent residential blocks.

For those using public transport, Metro Transit bus routes such as lines 5, 12, and 18 are available, with stops located within walking distance of the entrance. If you are coming from MSP (Minneapolis–St. Paul) Airport, a taxi or Uber/Lyft ride will take about 25–30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the extensive network of bike paths for which this region is famous. A bike ride to the museum is a great way to combine sightseeing with a bit of pleasant physical activity.

The founding of The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in the early 2000s was the result of one man's passion — Minnesota resident Raymond Johnson. Having begun collecting works by Soviet artists during the collapse of the USSR, he and his wife Susan built one of the most significant private collections in the world over several decades, numbering more than 10,000 exhibits.

Initially, the museum was located in rented premises, but in 2005, it found its permanent home in the building of the former Mayflower Congregational Church. This historic mid-20th-century structure underwent a thorough renovation, preserving its grandeur while transforming into a modern exhibition space with magnificent acoustics and natural light.

One of the key figures represented in the collection is the master of the "Severe Style," Gely Korzhev, for whom Johnson served as a long-time patron. The museum aims not only to preserve art but also to break down cultural stereotypes by showing the multifaceted nature of Russian realism and figurative painting to an international audience.

Today, TMORA is recognized as an important cultural bridge. The museum actively collaborates with major institutions, such as the State Tretyakov Gallery and the State Russian Museum, organizing unique exchange exhibition projects that attract art historians from around the world.

To leisurely explore the main collection and temporary exhibitions, visitors typically need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to appreciate the details of the paintings and examine the collection of folk crafts.

If you plan to attend a lecture or spend time in the museum shop choosing unique souvenirs, it is worth setting aside half a day for your visit. The cozy atmosphere of the former church building invites long contemplation, so there is no need to rush if you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of art.

The museum is hospitably open to visitors throughout the week, though the schedule differs between weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday, the exhibitions can be viewed from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that operating hours may change during special events or national holidays. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the museum's official website before your trip.

Minneapolis and its surrounding areas offer many options for continuing your cultural or recreational leisure. A visit to The Museum of Russian Art can easily be combined with a trip to the country's largest shopping centers or a visit to water parks, which are especially popular in this region.

Exploring nearby locations will allow you to immerse yourself further in the atmosphere of Minnesota, offering entertainment for every taste — from extreme slides to cozy park areas for family relaxation.