Spaso House Welcomes the Tretyakov Gallery
Location: Moscow
Date: June 27, 2006
On June 27, Ambassador Burns opened a unique exhibition of masterpieces at his residence, Spaso House, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Tretyakov Gallery. More than 300 Russian art and cultural elite attended the opening. For the first time in more than 80 years, the 12 paintings and one bronze sculpture lent by the Tretyakov Gallery were displayed in a private mansion. Spaso House, itself a work of Russian art and longtime home to U.S. Ambassadors in Moscow, is a perfect venue to showcase the beautiful exhibition of Russian works of art from the 19th-20th centuries. In March, the Ambassador wrote to the Board of the Museum and the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography offering the use of the Ambassador's residence for a small, elegant exhibition to celebrate the Gallery's anniversary year. The Museum staff drew up a preliminary list of works to be included in the exhibition, but it was the Ambassador, assisted by his wife, Lisa, who made the final selection personally. The Ambassador and his wife were particularly interested in works displaying Russian history, nature, and everyday life. "This opening is an opportunity to express our appreciation of Russian culture and the museums that display its finest contributions to the world of art," — said the Ambassador at the unveiling of the exhibition. [Brochure on special exhibition from the Tretyakov Gallery in Spaso House (pdf)] [Remarks by Ambassador Burns]