Join us for the premiere of A Thousand Nesting Dolls, showcasing TMORA’s unique collection—the largest and most extensive array of nesting dolls in the United States, unveiled for the very first time.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the The Museum of Russian Art. Walk through the galleries, shop in the Museum’s renowned TMORA Shop, indulge in delicious small bites by Chowgirls Killer Catering, and live music by Twin Cities Hot Club. Special remarks from the Curator and Executive Director will usher in the unveiling of this remarkable collection, never before seen by the public.

Beverages will be available for purchase. Remarks will take place in the Main Gallery at 7:45 PM. Advanced registration is encouraged but not required.

TICKETS: Adult $19 | Senior (65+) $17 | Student $5 | Children 0-13 FREE

TMORA Members – FREE.

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Please note, you will need to enter your Member number upon registration. This number can be found on your Member card.

Need help? Contact Allison Simms (Membership): [email protected] or Michelle Massey (Programming) [email protected]

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ABOUT THE EXHIBITION:

A Thousand Nesting Dolls

The exhibition showcases TMORA’s unique collection of nesting dolls, the largest in this country. The display includes some of the earliest dolls ever created and traces the development of the craft through the 20th century. From village handiworks to artist-painted pieces, the artifacts on display present an astounding variety of styles and themes.

TMORA acknowledges the exceptional gift of Robert J. Brokop, who dedicated his life to collecting handcrafted wooden toys, and donated thousands of Russian wooden nesting dolls to TMORA. Additionally, several dolls on display come from the gift of the family of Evelyn M. Ross. TMORA expresses its profound gratitude to all the collectors who, in recent years, donated their remarkable collections to TMORA.

The origin of the Russian nesting doll, also known as Matryoshka, is a matter of legends. Allegedly invented by a professional artist, the dolls became an instant success with collectors when they were displayed at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris. A thriving industry in its early, pre-revolutionary years, nesting doll production was brought under state control during the Soviet period. Made at state-run facilities across the vast country, Soviet Matryoshka dolls preserved the local character unique to every regional center of production. The 1990s became the Golden Age for the art and craft of Russian nesting dolls. In the turbulent times of the Soviet state collapse, humble wooden toys became a venue for the search for national and personal identity.

A Thousand Nesting Dolls will be on view in the Main Gallery October 5, 2024 – March 9, 2025.

The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) proudly holds accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition awarded to museums in the United States. TMORA 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.

“Blue Elephant”
Wood, paint, 7 pieces
Artist E. Nevinnaya, Kaluga, 1990s
Gift of Robert J Brokop

“Smiling Girl”
Wood, paint, 5 pieces
Artist A. Larionova, Russia, 1999
Gift of Robert J. Brokop

Semenov Nesting Doll, 1970s
Wood, aniline dyes, 18 pieces
Gift of Robert J. Brokop