History of Russia: Exhibition "Alexander I – Empires' Restorer" to open in Chelyabinsk

The Moscow Kremlin Museums present an exhibition dedicated to Emperor Alexander I in the State Museum of South Ural History. His name is inseparably bound with the victory of Russia in the Patriotic War of 1812, the establishment of lasting peace on the European continent, and the transformation of the Armory Chamber into a unique museum. Over a hundred pieces from the Moscow Kremlin Museums' collection, relating to Alexander I, will be presented on display. Five sections of the exposition spotlight various aspects of the life and activity of the monarch.

The first section discovers the attitude of Empress Catherine the Great to Alexander, who saw her grandson as a future great ruler. It also narrates the coronation ceremony of Emperor Alexander I, which took place in the Kremlin in September 1801. Among the exhibits are his military uniform, which he wore during his coronation ceremony, his awards – the highest orders of the Russian Empire, and a precious sabre presented to him by Catherine the Great.

Masterpieces related to the foundation of the new museum in the Kremlin are displayed in the second section. In the Armoury Chamber, Alexander I saw a treasury of ancient relics of the Russian power and memorabilia – the witnesses of glorious victories. The exhibition features pieces, including the emperor's personal arms, transferred to the Armory Chamber by his order.

The third section of the exhibition provides insight into the world of Alexander I's everyday life, such as his writing set and a camp bed. The belongings of the unpretentious emperor are distinguished by their simplicity and lack of luxury.

The events of the Patriotic War of 1812, the rescue of the Kremlin treasures, and the campaign of Russian troops abroad are revealed in the fourth section of the show.

The last section of the exposition introduces visitors to Alexander I's hopes of a united Europe, where all countries that regained their independence after the overthrow of Napoleon's empire would forever renounce war as a means of resolving their disagreements. Alexander I's sincere religious feelings and convictions led him to the idea of creating the Holy Alliance of European monarchs. He believed that if the rulers of states swear to one another to govern their nations and are guided in their policy by Christian morality, Europe could forever get rid of wars, and there would be universal prosperity and well-being. The exhibition reminds of the high ambitions of the victorious emperor whose ideas were far ahead of his time.