Memorable Dates of Russia: Exhibition "More than Archives. Marking the Centenary of the State Archives of the Russian Federation" opened in Moscow

The exhibition "More than Archives. Marking the Centenary of the State Archives of the Russian Federation" was opened in the Exhibition Hall of Federal Archives in Moscow. The anniversary exhibition aims to show the variety of historical relics stored in the archive and unknown to the general public. The exhibition is organized by the Federal Archival Agency and the State Archives of the Russian Federation.

The exposition illustrates more than two centuries of Russian history. It is based on documents and objects that are both significant historical monuments and treasures of art. The exhibition also includes new acquisitions to the State Archives of the Russian Federation. Items of painting and applied art, personal belongings of famous historical figures are of particular importance.

The exhibition presents a silver chest by I. V. Bukh, designed to store the Act of Succession of the Throne by Grand Prince Pavel Petrovich (Emperor Paul I). A unique document is the Constitution of the Kingdom of Poland signed by Emperor Alexander I in 1815. It is kept in a bronze case made by order of the Polish Sejm. Another huge silver box weighs more than 20 kilograms. The inscription made of turquoise around its perimeter informs that it is a gift by Emperor Alexander I to the Don Cossack Host.

Some exhibits are real treasures of art. There are notebooks of Russian empresses, decorated with precious stones, watercolours, and embroidery. They also contain notes about famous events and people, as well as unique autographs - for example, a handwritten Alexander Pushkin's poem "The Commander", recorded by the poet in the album of Grand Princess Elena Pavlovna. This autograph of Alexander Sergeevich is showcased together with a portrait of Elena Pavlovna, painted by the "great Karl" - the famous artist Karl Bryullov. The gift of French President Felix Faure to the Russian Emperor Nicholas II for the New Year 1897 is of particular interest. It is an album with drawings, handwritten poems, music and autographs of French artists, created in memory of the visit of Nicholas II and the royal family to Paris.

Many items entered the archive along with the documents of their owners. For example, the memories of the dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya are kept along with her ballet shoes and the first dress made for classes at the ballet school. The exposition features personal belongings, letters, memoirs and photographs of Russian military leaders - generals A. A. Brusilov and A. I. Denikin, Admiral A. V. Kolchak.

The exhibition sections devoted to the Soviet times and the contemporary history of Russia include authentic copies of all the Constitutions of the RSFSR and the USSR, state symbols of the RSFSR - the flag and banner, materials about the secret investigation of Hitler's death and Nazi concentration camps, personal belongings of the hero-pilot V. K. Kokkinaki and cosmonaut Yu. M. Baturin.

Anniversary exhibition "More than Archives. Marking the Centenary of the State Archives of the Russian Federation" is intended both for historians and a general audience interested in Russian history.

The exhibition will run from December 4, 2020, to January 31, 2021. The opening hours are subject to change due to the epidemiological situation and the introduction of new restrictions.