Visitors will be introduced at the tour to the unique exhibition project Light and Air with 27 Russian museums participating, presenting works united by the idea of Soviet rethinking of Impressionist aesthetics. The exposition consists of four thematic sections allowing to explore the features of the key painting genres: portrait, landscape and scenes from everyday life depicting labour and leisure.

Magnificent gallery of portraits awaits visitors on the ground floor. The art pieces, executed with the ease of sketching, are juxtaposed with vibrant canvases – fine examples of pastose painting. They tell about heroines of a bygone era: exquisite beauties in airy dresses, Soviet fashionistas and factory labourers. There is a marvellous story behind each image, be it a refined lady or an exuberant shock worker.

The museum first floor will introduce exhibition guests to the beauty of Impressionist landscape – works by Igor Grabar, Boris Ioganson, Arkady Rylov and Ilya Mashkov will be on display there. Paintings reflecting the wealth and diversity of Russian nature will allow viewers to enjoy winter sites and sunny southern vistas. Forests and rivers, fields and gardens, city streets and cosy embankments – every person will find a heartwarming landscape for himself.

The second floor display will give an insight into the spirit of the Soviet era through paintings reflecting everyday life. Tour guests will learn how artists, who followed the traditions of Impressionism, sought beauty in ordinary things and praised the glory of the world around them depicting seemingly mundane scenes.

A tour of the exhibition Light and Air will end with a story about paintings dedicated to the leisure time of Soviet citizens. Scenes of peaceful outdoor recreation and cheerful folk festivities, executed with a special uplifting feeling, will charm visitors with their joyful atmosphere.

Duration: 1 hour