The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) is a museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota that houses a collection of Russian art from the 20th century, especially Soviet art.
The Museum on Russian Art (TMORA) was incorporated as a 501(c)-3 non-profit corporation in 2001 and commenced exhibition activities open to the public initially in loaned space in a corporate office park located in Bloomington, Minnesota in 2002. The organization initially showcased Russian Realist-style paintings from the late 19th century as well as from the Soviet era (1914 - 1991). The Museum received initial funding from Raymond E and Susan B. Johnson; Minnesota residents who had established an extensive personal collection of Russian art and artifacts. TMORA was initially managed by Bradford Shinkle, IV, president and director, from its founding in 2001 until his retirement in 2008. Both Johnson and Shinkle have multiple connections to Russian culture. Mr. Johnson was appointed Honorary Consul for The Russian Federation in 2003; both he (2005) and Mr. Shinkle (2009) are recipients of The Order of Friendship medal of The Russian Federation that is the highest civilian honor accorded to non-Russian citizens in recognition of their respective contributions to international cultural diversity and education.
In 2005, TMORA acquired and thoroughly remodeled the former Mayflower Church in South Minneapolis, a 75 year old building, which previously served as a Congregational church and funeral home. The building received special recognition for adaptive reuse from the Minnesota Heritage Preservation Commission. TMORA now operates a state-of-the-art exhibition facility that includes 18,000 square feet (1,700 m2) of display galleries and administrative offices. Under Mr. Shinkle's leadership the range of exhibition subjects was substantially expanded to include the categories of iconography, photography, folk art and toys as well as lacquer objects.
Among the highlights of TMORA's extensive schedule of exhibitions is Masterpieces of Russian Lacquer Art, featuring over a hundred lacquered miniatures from Fedoskino, Palekh, Kholuy and Mstera on loan from the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City, the State Tretyakov Gallery of Moscow and the Museum of Decorative, Applied and Folk Arts of Moscow, as well as from the personal collection of Lucy Maxym, one of the foremost authorities on lacquer artwork.
Following Mr. Shinkle's retirement in 2008, TMORA's directorship was assumed by Judith H. Dutcher. Ms. Dutcher, former Minnesota state auditor and President of the Minnesota Community Foundation led the Museum through a period of staff expansion and engagement with leading community based corporate and foundation financial supporters. Ms. Dutcher was instrumental in continuing the evolution of TMORA's exhibition activities and initiated events that included the categories of textiles, porcelain and matryoshka toys. Ms. Dutcher left the Museum in November, 2010; Mr. Shinkle resumed his prior role as President and Director of TMORA.
TMORA has established international lending relationships with numerous Russian national and regional museums including the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg), State Museum of Yaroslaval (Yaroslaval); TMORA regularly hosts delegations of visiting Russian museum professionals from throughout Russia who are attracted by its status as the only museum in North America dedicated solely to the exhibition of diversified subjects of Russian artistry.
In addition to year-round changing exhibitions, TMORA offers lecture series, seminars, social functions and other special events.