- Attraction: The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA)
- Location: 5500 Stevens Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://tmora.org/
Forget everything you think you know about discovering cultural treasures in Minneapolis.
This former Spanish Colonial church houses the only major institution in North America entirely dedicated to Russian art and culture, spanning over 1,000 years of artistic heritage.
Founded in 2002 by art collector Raymond Johnson and his wife Susan—who assembled the most comprehensive collection of Russian Realist paintings outside the Russian Federation—The Museum of Russian Art opened its doors in this beautifully renovated historic building in 2005.
With over 13,000 works in its permanent collection and 8-10 rotating exhibitions annually, TMORA offers an intimate window into Muscovite Russia, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and its former republics through outstanding exhibitions and cultural programs.
What sets this museum apart isn’t just its unique focus—it’s the passionate independence with which it operates, maintaining complete freedom from foreign government influence while presenting authentic Russian artistic expression.
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Keep Exploring →Artistic Treasures & Exhibition Highlights
Soviet-Era Masterpieces: You’ll discover stunning oil paintings that tell stories of life across the vast Russian landscape, from grand imperial works to intimate Soviet-era pieces that provide a rare glimpse into daily life under communist rule.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that provide insight into Russian history and cultural traditions spanning multiple artistic periods.
Rotating Special Exhibitions: Recent standout exhibitions have included fascinating displays of Russian nesting dolls, showcasing incredible variety and craftsmanship that most visitors never realized existed.
Past exhibitions have featured everything from Faberge items once owned by Russian royalty to artifacts from the Leningrad blockade, and even contemporary art addressing current events in Ukraine.
Russian Icons & Religious Art: The top floor features striking Russian icons that overlook other gallery spaces, creating a contemplative atmosphere where religious art takes center stage.
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Discover MoreThe museum thoughtfully presents both historical religious works and contemporary pieces that explore Russian spiritual traditions.
Cultural Artifacts: Beyond paintings, you’ll encounter Russian lacquer miniatures, traditional Ukrainian dresses, amber jewelry, ethnic costumes, and textiles that illuminate the broader cultural heritage of the region.
The museum goes beyond simple art display—each area tells a story of what life was like at different points in time across the vast land called Russia.
Contemporary Relevance: The museum tackles current events with thoughtful exhibitions addressing the Ukrainian conflict, demonstrating how art can provide perspective on modern geopolitical issues.
You’ll notice a large Ukrainian flag displayed prominently outside the museum, reflecting TMORA’s clear stance on current events.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Historic Setting
Architectural Marvel: The museum occupies a stunning Spanish Revival-style building from 1940 that underwent major renovation to become a state-of-the-art museum facility designed for the 21st century.
Housed in an old church in the Spanish Colonial-Revivalist style, each of the three floors has an entirely different feel—from the dim, contemplative lower level to the airy, open top floor.
Intimate Gallery Experience: Visitors consistently praise the museum’s intimate size, which allows for thorough exploration of exhibits without feeling overwhelmed.
The multi-level galleries provide a tranquil and intimate setting that enhances the cultural experience. You can easily explore the entire museum in an hour if pressed for time, though 90 minutes to 2 hours allows for the perfect, unhurried experience.
Multi-Floor Layout: Each floor offers completely different exhibitions and atmospheres, with the top floor providing scenic overlooks to lower gallery spaces. The building includes an elevator alongside traditional stairs, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
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Exceptional Value: At $14-15 for general admission ($12 for seniors 65+, $5 for students with ID), visitors consistently describe the experience as excellent value for money.
Children under 14 receive free admission, making it an affordable family destination. Most visitors spend about 2 hours exploring, making the admission price quite reasonable for the quality and uniqueness of the experience.
Convenient Parking: Free parking is available on adjacent streets or directly north of the museum at Mayflower Church across the street. The museum is easily accessible by public transit—just six minutes down Nicollet Avenue by bus and a one-block walk.
Remarkable Gift Shop: The TMORA Shop is often called “a gallery of its own,” featuring unique gifts, artisan crafts, and books inspired by the museum’s collection.
The beautifully curated gift shop features everything from Ukrainian glass ornaments to Russian cultural items, and visitors consistently describe it as exceptional.
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Keep Exploring →Many visitors joke they never escape the gift shop unscathed—but it’s all for a good cause.
Unique Schedule: Unlike most art museums, TMORA is open on Mondays, making it perfect for Monday visitors when other cultural institutions are closed. Hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
Airport Proximity: Located just 10 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, it’s an ideal cultural stop for travelers with layovers or those arriving early for flights.
The Museum of Russian Art
📍 5500 Stevens Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
