Museum of Russian Icons

My friend Nancy and I visited the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton MA today. Housed in a former mill building we viewed three levels of fascinating Russian art dating back as far as the 15th century. The collection is the largest of it's kind in North America, and one of largest outside Russia!

We began our morning with exotic tea and biscuits in the Russian tea room surrounded by more than a dozen beautiful antique tea urns.

At one time the building was used as a police station with jail cells on the bottom floor (behind me).

 My favorite tea urn was this black piece with the the hand painted floral bouquet.

 The painting of Christ is the Russian version of the Shroud of Turin. It is often referred to as the first icon because it was created during Christ's lifetime.

Note the small black rectangle to the middle right of the painting. That was what the piece looked like before it was cleaned!

Here is the only Mandala I found in the museum. An amazing 4 foot work of art. The vibrant colors, and gleaming gold icons have held up for centuries.

Worth the trip! And for those who like to Zentangle, classes will be held next weekend at the museum.