Museum of East in Moscow showcases Iran’s culture from antiquity to the present

The State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow will present a large-scale project dedicated to the culture of Iran. Starting from 21 March, the immersive exhibition will unfold in the “Luninskie Masterskie” space, bringing together art, philosophy and music of the republic – from Ancient Persia to the present day. The TV BRICS International Media Network will act as the event’s information partner.

Visitors will see paintings by contemporary Iranian artists and a numismatic collection from a private collection. The museum will host a multimedia installation featuring landscapes of Iran, a garden with living flowers and a meditative hall dedicated to Sufi wisdom – with carpets, a starry sky and reflective texts. A historical exhibition will tell the story of key stages in the development of Iran and its cultural interaction with Russia.

A separate photography exhibition will present the best works by professional photographers and students from the University of Tehran, selected following a competition. The photographs reveal the contemporary perspective of Iranian youth on their country.

“Our museum rightfully takes pride in its collection of Iranian art. Among our staff are specialists with many years of experience in preserving and studying Iran’s cultural heritage. We are pleased to have the opportunity to present the culture of this country in a new format for us,” said Sofya Chertikhina, adviser to the Director for International Affairs of the State Museum of Oriental Art.

The lecture programme will cover topics ranging from the principles of Persian art and Shia iconography to the Qajar dynasty era and Iranian business etiquette.

“Art has an extraordinary ability to unite people faster and more reliably than any agreements. The Festival of Iranian Culture is an opportunity to truly discover Iran,” said the representative for the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Russian-Iranian Centre for Economic and Legal Cooperation, Abbas Mirzai Ghazi.

The festival will run until 22 April. The opening for representatives of government bodies, business and the media will take place on 20 March, while the public programme will begin on 21 March.