History of Russia: “Holy Russia” exhibition kicks off in Moscow

May 24, 2011 the spouse of the President of Russia Svetlana Medvedeva and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia visited the “Holy Russia” exhibition in the Tretyakov Gallery on the eve of its official opening.

The event was launched within the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture celebrations.

The exhibition showcases masterpieces of Russian art spanning 10th – 19th cc. - 450 works from 25 national museums, libraries and archives, as well as a unique exhibit from the collection of the Louvre – shoulder decoration (armilla), depicting the scene of the “Resurrection – Descent into Hell”, which, as historians believe, was part of the ceremonial dress of Prince Andrei  Bogolyubsky.

Russian First Lady and Patriarch Kirill were shown the Golden Gate from one of Suzdal’s monasteries (12th c.), an early replica of the icon of the Holy Virgin of Vladimir by Andrei Rublev, and the Ostromir Gospel (1056-1057).

One of the most valuable pieces of the exhibition viewed by the distinguished guests was the diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls rich casing of the Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev.

Last year the “Holy Russia” exhibition was held in the Louvre, Paris. Almost all the exhibits unveiled at the exhibition in France will be put on show in Moscow.

The official opening of the exhibition in the Tretyakov Gallery will kick off May 25, 2011. For the wide public the exhibition will run May 26 – August 14.

After Moscow the exhibition will travel to St. Petersburg.