On Tuesday, October 12 The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis, MN hosted a roundtable discussion regarding the embargo of loans to US museums from Russian state museums. Michael Perekrestov, Executive Director of the Russian History Museum, participated in this Zoom discussion as a panelist.
“The US-Russian Museums Art Loan Freeze: Where Do We Go From Here?” was moderated by Mark J. Meister, Executive Director at The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis and also included perspectives from participants Dr. Maria Zavialova, Chief Curator and Head of Exhibitions & Collections at TMORA and Kent Russell, Executive Director of The Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA.
The program sought to provide updates and information relevant to the ongoing federal lawsuits between Russian state museums and US federal court due to the ongoing embargo on art loans to US museums that began in 2011. This roundtable delved into how US based Russian cultural and history museums have continued to collaborate with Russian non-state museums in light of this matter.
Michael discussed experience with past loans to the Manezh in Moscow and a recent loan to Tsarskoe Selo. This recent loan encompassed over 50 items related to militaria and cossacks to Tsarskoe Selo, including regiment info. Michael noted his positive experience in working with these Russian institutions, including Dmitrii A. Klochkov, curator and Head of the Military History Department of Tsarskoe Selo Museum-Preserve.
Panelists stressed the importance of continued communications and collaboration with Russian organizations and colleagues, looking ahead to future collaboration potentials when possible.