Neo-Russian Style Exhibit Opens at Oman National Museum

Photo: Oman News Agency

As part of "The Russian Seasons", the National Museum has opened the "Neo-Russian Style" exhibition in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum. The exhibition, which will run until 2 November 2025, is held under the patronage of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. It highlights a significant artistic period in the Russian Empire from the 1880s to the 1910s when the traditional "Russian style" saw a revival in various art forms such as architecture, painting, sculpture, and decorative arts during the reigns of Emperors Alexander III and Nicholas II.

In his opening speech, Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary General of the National Museum, noted that the exhibition is part of ongoing cultural cooperation between Oman and Russia. He emphasised that these efforts are helping to build stronger museum and cultural ties, which recently included launching the museum’s website in the Russian language. He also mentioned upcoming collaborative events, such as hosting musical seasons at Bayt al-Greiza in October, working with the State Tretyakov Gallery to present an exhibition on Omani fine art, and partnering with the Moscow Kremlin Museums for the "Imperial Russia and the East" exhibition. Additionally, there will be dedicated Omani publications displayed at the Chechen State University and the National Library of Russia, marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Russia.

Russian Ambassador to Oman, Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, stated that the exhibition sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of late 19th and early 20th century Russia. He emphasised that this event is an important step in strengthening cultural dialogue and using art as a bridge between nations. A video message from Professor Dr Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum, was also played during the opening. He expressed his happiness with the exhibition and highlighted how it reflects the cultural developments in Russia between the 1880s and 1910s.

The exhibition includes many unique artefacts, such as historical court costumes used during Imperial Russia's masquerade balls. One such item is a silver presentation dish gifted to Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna by oilmen from the Absheron Peninsula during their 1888 visit to the Caucasus. Another is a silver salt cellar gifted to Emperor Nicholas II following his Eastern journey in 1890–1891. A lace fan belonging to Empress Maria Feodorovna, made of Vologda bobbin lace and dated to 1883, is also on display. The exhibition features a portrait of a young woman in traditional Russian dress, painted by Sofya Yunker-Kramskaya in the early 20th century.

One of the exhibition highlights is a collection of character costumes worn at themed balls and masquerades, which were popular among both the nobility and common townspeople in Imperial Russia. These events showcased the elegance and richness of Russian court life. A particularly notable piece is the costume worn by Grand Duchess Ksenia Aleksandrovna during the 1903 Winter Palace ball, which symbolised the grandeur of the Romanov dynasty and became a cultural icon of the era.

Earlier this year, in February, the National Museum opened another exhibition under the "State Hermitage Museum Corner" titled "Gifts of Bukharan and Central Asian Emirs to the Russian Imperial Court". It was Oman's first "Russian Seasons" event, celebrating Russia's long-standing ties with Eastern cultures. Another exhibition named "The Omani Empire Between Asia and Africa", displayed in the State Hermitage Museum's Oman Hall, drew nearly 414,000 visitors between December 2023 and January 2025, demonstrating considerable public interest in Oman's rich history.

The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, established in 1764, is one of the world’s largest and oldest museums. It houses a collection of over 3 million artefacts and includes the iconic Winter Palace. The museum features a wide range of art and cultural items from Russia, Eastern Europe, Ancient Greece and Rome, the Near and Far East, and Central Asia. It also holds significant collections of coins, weapons, archaeological finds, and graphic art. Each year, it attracts nearly 4 million visitors and remains a cornerstone of global cultural heritage.