The State Museum of Oriental Art
The State Museum of Art of the Peoples of the East in Moscow is the largest center in Russia for the study and preservation of the artistic heritage of the peoples of Asia, the Caucasus, and some countries of Africa. Its collections comprise approximately 150,000 items, gathered over more than a century. The museum was founded in 1918 and, after several relocations around the city, finally found its permanent home in 1984 in the historic Lunin estate on Nikitsky Boulevard, a fine example of Empire-style architecture. The main exhibition is housed here, while the storage facilities and a branch dedicated to the Roerich family collection are located on the grounds of VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). The museum’s permanent exhibition, featuring about five thousand objects, is organized according to a regional principle and occupies three floors of the main building. It offers a systematic overview of the art of various cultures. The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Kazakhstan are represented through traditional crafts: jewellery, weapons, carpets, and paintings, including works by Niko Pirosmani and Martiros Saryan, as well as a rich collection of textiles such as Turkmen carpets, Uzbek coverlets, and felt items made by the Kyrgyz and Kazakhs. The Iranian collection is considered one of the richest and includes archaeological finds, notably the famous “Luristan bronzes,” ceramics, calligraphy, and Persian carpets. Particularly noteworthy is a faience vessel from the 12th-13th centuries in the shape of a mythological harpy. In adjacent halls, one can see the art of Afghanistan, Syria, Egypt, and other countries in the region. Chinese art spans a vast time period from the Neolithic era to the early 20th century. The collection includes ancient ritual bronze vessels, jade discs, an extensive assortment of porcelain, and unique miniature snuff bottles decorated from the inside. The Japanese exhibition features Buddhist sculpture, tea ceremony utensils, weapons, netsuke, and kimonos. Key exhibits here are diplomatic gifts from Emperor Meiji to Tsar Nicholas II: an intricate ivory composition “Eagle on a Pine Tree” and a ceremonial folding screen. The Indian collection numbers about three thousand items, including stone and metal sculptures, ceremonial objects, edged weapons with precious inlays, and textiles, including Kashmir shawls. Special attention is given to the art of Southeast Asia, whose collection began to form in the 1970s. It features Buddhist sculptures and decorative arts from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries. The museum also houses the Memorial Study of Nicholas Roerich, which recreates the atmosphere of his Indian home and presents personal belongings, artifacts, and works by the artist. The museum is actively engaged in educational work. Its lecture hall offers regular series of lectures on the mythology, history, art, and contemporary culture of the East, delivered by its research staff. There are special programmes for children. In addition, the museum hosts traditional Chinese and Tibetan tea ceremonies, where guests learn about the philosophy of the ritual and various tea varieties. The museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art, archaeological discoveries, or the decorative arts of different countries. For up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and the need for advance booking for all events and exhibitions, it is recommended to consult the museum’s official website.
Address: Moscow, Nikitsky Boulevard, 12A, building 1
