Rare Ornaments from Mid-Century Russia

Nestled within The World of Russian Fairy Tales exhibition is another enchanting realm: vintage tree ornaments from Soviet-era Moscow. A hundred ornaments and related artifacts from the late 1930s–1960s are on view at TMORA through January 25, 2026. The displays include a decorated feather tree, a miniature tree from the Khrushchev era, and an armada of Grandfather Frosts—the Russian version of Santa, who brought gifts to Soviet children for New Year.

These fascinating pieces were collected by Kim Balaschak while living in Russia in the early 2000s and donated to TMORA a few years ago. TMORA is profoundly grateful to Kim and her husband, James Balaschak, for this remarkable gift of unique artifacts—objects rarely seen anywhere on this side of the ocean.

Rare Ornaments from Mid-Century Russia is on view through January 25, 2026 in the Main Gallery.