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

In fulfillment of its mission, TMORA exhibits and collects art from the fifteen independent countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the Museum exhibits and collects the work of émigré artists from those countries, with a special emphasis on artists living in Minnesota.

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.