Samovars and Nesting Dolls

MSP Terminal 1, Concourse C (near Gates C3, C12, and C18)
July 2021 - July 2022

Viewable from all sides, these vitrines of Samovars, Nesting Dolls, and other remarkable artifacts from The Museum of Russian Art put history and culture into full view.

Samovars are portable water heaters, widespread throughout the Russian Empire before the introduction of electrical appliances. Many of them arrived in the United States carried by immigrants. Cast in many different shapes, these bronze urns are impressive relics of the past that hold memories of immigration and traveling in the late 19th-early 20th century.

Matryoshka are carved and painted wooden nesting dolls that became a quintessential Russian souvenir in the last century. Created as educational toys in the late 19th century, they became popular with craftsmen and artists in several regions of Russia, developing regional designs and color palettes.

The Museum of Russian Art - www.tmora.org

The Museum of Russian Art has issued this statement regarding the war in Ukraine:

The Museum of Russian Art stands with the people of Ukraine and urges Russia to cease hostilities immediately and withdraw.

The Museum of Russian Art promotes understanding of the art, people, and culture of Muscovite Russia, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, its former republics, and post-Soviet Russia through outstanding exhibitions, cultural presentations, and educational programs serving the people of Minnesota and the nation.

The Museum upholds an independent voice and the freedom of expression to carry out its mission unconstrained by influence from foreign governments, political actors, and/or corporate or individual interests.

The goal of Arts@MSP is the enhance MSP Airport's image, enrich the public's experience, and promote a sense of place through arts and culture. Arts@MSP provides the public with ongoing opportunities to experience a variety of interesting exhibits at select locations in the airport. This exhibit from The Museum of Russian Art aims to achieve these goals.