New exhibition “Life”

We welcome you to the new temporary exhibition “Life,” which will be held from June 1 to August 11, 2024, at the Abbey Exhibition Hall. This exhibition, dedicated to the anniversary of Vassily Polenov, will feature works from the museum’s collections along the Polenovs’ family archives.
Vassily Polenov, the renowned Russian artist, worked in various genres and left a significant artistic legacy. The new exhibition will also highlight another form of heritage—his descendants: children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The Polenov family has a beautiful and laconic coat of arms: the trunk of a dead oak tree, from the root of which begins and continues the life of a young tree. This symbolism embodies the great idea of maintaining the connection between generations through traditions. This connection endures to this day, with the descendants of Vasily Polenov actively continuing the work of their amazing ancestor.
“The family preserved and expanded the museum collections during the most challenging and tragic times for Russia and the Polenov Museum: the 1905 revolution, the two revolutions of 1917–1918, the harsh and hungry years in the 1920s and repressions of 1930s, the World War II, followed by the 1950s and 1960s—years marked by active attacks on the museum by the outside organizations. The estate was returned to the Polenovs’ family for lifetime use in 1924. Regardless of the challenges faced by family members over the years, they remained faithful to the educational legacy of V.D. Polenov. Polenov’s work is a labor of love for people, characterized by great asceticism. His greatest talent, encompassing all his many talents, is his humanity. This is the primary inheritance passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”— Natalia Gramolina, Director of the Museum-Reserve of V.D. Polenov from 1990 to 2011.
We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition.
Tickets can be purchased at the museum ticket office located at the Centre of Guided Tour Service or online, via museum’s website.
“Life” Exhibition
1 June 2024 – 11 August 2024